Many countries have design registration systems similar to that of the UK. Usually, protection must be sought before the design has been published.

Under the Paris Convention, there is a period of 6 months from the date on which the first filed application was filed in which to apply to participating countries for protection. Successful applications of this type will have the priority date backdated to that of the first filed application.
The Benelux countries have a uniform design registration system which provides for a single registration when seeking registration in Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. However, the introduction of the Community Registered design system makes the Benelux system of reduced practical importance in most cases.
Experts in Individual National Designs
Robert B Franks Robert B Franks
Chartered & European Patent Attorney and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
E : robert.franks@franksco.com
T : +44 (0)114 249 9888
Abdulmalik Lawal Abdulmalik Lawal
Chartered Patent & Trade Mark Attorney and European Patent Attorney
E : abdulmalik.lawal@franksco.com
T : +44 (0)114 249 9888
Jon Banford Jon Banford
Chartered & European Patent Attorney and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
E : jon.banford@franksco.com
T : +44 (0)1604 632 436
Abigail Welford Abigail Welford
Chartered & European Patent Attorney and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
E : abigail.welford@franksco.com
T : +44 (0)114 249 9888