A design consists in the appearance of the product itself, a three-dimensional creation, or the product decoration, a bi-dimensional creation.

A design is only protected to the extent that it is new and has an individual character.

It is preferable not to release information about a design before it is filed. But if this has occurred, the designer still benefits from aone-year-grace period to file the design.

Factual Background on Counterfeiting and Piracy in the EU
The growing global phenomenon of counterfeiting and piracy threatens the competitiveness of innovative industries, the livelihoods of creative artists and workers, and the health and safety of consumers.