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.