Reform of the UK Designs Legal Framework
Reference: 2012-002
Launch date: 24 July 2012
Closing date: 2 October 2012
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is making a number
of proposals to make improvements to the designs legal framework following an earlier
‘call for evidence 
(1.32Mb)’ and associated online survey.
We are now seeking relevant evidence on the potential for the proposed measures which includes:
- improve the enforcement regime and enable people to understand more fully what rights are held by others, to help avoid disputes
- resolve uncertainties around the scope of protection
- simplify the laws surrounding the ownership of and qualification for design right
The consultation is directed to all interested parties including (but not limited to): designers, patent and trade mark attorneys, legal professionals, and users of the designs system.
Note: The consultation document was updated on 13 September to include amendments to paragraphs 8.10 to 8.13.
- Consultation document - Reform of the UK Designs Legal Framework (1.1Mb)
- Response Document: The consultation on the Reform of the UK Designs Legal Framework (642Kb)
- Impact Assessments
Following the consultation the IPO has prepared final assessments of the impact of the measures which will be taken forward and which require changes under primary legislation.
- BIS0350: Introduction of a Designs Opinion Service (240Kb)
- BIS0351: Independent Membership of the Hague Union/Geneva Act (294Kb)
- BIS0356: Inspection of Documents (87Kb)
- BIS0360: Amendment of Design Ownership Provision (188Kb)
- BIS0361: Revision of Scope of Design Protection (95Kb)
- BIS0373: Appeals Route (209Kb)
- BIS0376: Criminal Sanctions (253Kb)