Designs

Israeli law allows for the registration of external design of an object.

Two main features of the design will be examined by the Register of Designs:

• The aesthetic feature of the design.
• The originality (novelty) of the design.

If the design of the object results only from the way it is used, from architectural elements (protected under copyright law) or may harm public interests, such design will not be registered.

The procedure leading to the registration of a design consists of the following stages:

• Filing of an application indicating the contemplated design and class of products and services.
• Check-up of the application by the Register of Designs (fulfillments of legal rules, comparison with registered trademarks). The Register will assess the novelty of the design as compared to registered designs and not the absolute novelty. This stage is dynamic and the Register may demand to amend the application.
• First approval or reject of the application by the Register.
• Registration of the design. This registration is retroactive to the filing date of the application.

A registered design is protected for a period of up to 25 years.

A design owner in Israel is entitled to remedies available to citizens of common law countries, including interim and preliminary injunctions.