Changes to IP and Design Laws
On 10 March 2022, new laws came into effect that simplify the design registration process, and introduce a 12 month grace period to register intellectual property protection.
The new grace period means that businesses that publish intellectual property have 12 months to register for IP protection, expanding options and safeguarding against accidental publication of designs.
The registration process has also been streamlined, meaning that designs filed will automatically be registered without the need for a separate registration request. This process still requires a formalities check six months after filing, unless requested earlier. Click HERE for more information on these changes.