Designs online search help

We publish these images by the Authority of the Comptroller General of patents, designs and trade marks.

This database contains extracted bibliographic information and images for all designs which are currently registered (full register extracts are available via Find designs by number). The database does not show designs which have not yet been granted a certificate of registration, or design registrations which have now expired.

We reproduce the details of the designs as accurately as possible; however, the quality of the design image depends on the quality of the representation that we received. To fully appreciate the details of a design, it may be necessary to inspect the original representation or to order photocopies from us.

If you require information on a design which has expired and is no longer on our register, it may be possible to ask for copies of old Designs Journals. You can contact sales@ipo.gov.uk with any such requests.

To search by type of product

Choose 'Locarno only' in the 'Combination' box.
Choose 'All' in 'Edition' box.
Leave 'Proprietor’ blank.
Use the drop-down menus in 'Main', 'Sub' and 'Subsub' to choose the kinds of products you are interested in.

To search by class

If you know what class you need to search in, follow the instructions above choosing the appropriate class from the drop-down menus.

To search by proprietor

Choose 'Proprietor’ in the 'Combination' box.
Type the name of the proprietor in the 'Proprietor' box.
The search engine only looks for surnames and company names so don't enter any first names of individuals.
The search engine will look for the correct spelling so try variations if you are unsure.

To search by proprietor and type of product

Choose 'Proprietor AND Locarno' in the 'Combination' box.
Choose the appropriate classes and enter the proprietor name using the instructions above.

Further information

'Locarno is a designs classification system which is used by a number of countries around the world.
Some countries use a more recent edition of the Locarno Classification system to the UK. You will need to check that you are searching in the correct class if you search registers of other countries.
If a product looks like something else, you should search both the actual type of product, and what it looks like. For example, search for key rings and cars, if you are looking for car-shaped key rings.
Graphic designs are generally classed by subject matter in Class 99.

Official search service

If you would like us to conduct an official search on your behalf, we can do so.

Exclusions

Although register information is available on registered textiles, wallpaper and lace, images for such designs will only be captured from 1 November 1998. Designs registered in respect of wallpaper and lace before 2006 were not open for inspection for 2 years and for textile articles for 3 years, from the date we issued the registration certificate.

Note: Versions of Netscape Navigator earlier than 4.05 and Internet Explorer 4.0 are prone to JavaScript bugs which may mean that accented and other foreign characters may not be represented correctly. Upgrade your browser if you want to use these characters in your searches.

Warning

The Registered Designs Act contains provisions for registered designs to be renewed by paying a late filing fee, up to 6 months after the anniversary of a designs renewal date during its 2nd, 3rd and 4th periods of protection.

Designs not renewed within the 6 months immediately after the renewal date have a further 6 months to apply for Restoration.