What does design registration protect?

Design registration protects the specific visual appearance of a product, which includes its shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation, as long as it is new and distinctive. This protection applies to designs that have industrial or commercial use, ensuring that the creator has exclusive rights to the design and can prevent others from using it without permission. By registering a design, the creator safeguards their investment in the design process and can potentially capitalize on their work within the marketplace.

This protection does not extend to the underlying ideas or concepts, which may be protected by patents if they meet certain criteria. It also does not cover trademarks, which are related to branding rather than the design itself. Financial aspects of a design, such as profit margins or market potential, are not covered by design registration. Thus, the focus of design registration is specifically on protecting the unique appearance of a design intended for commercial use.