Online System of Design Registration Introduced in the UK

Designers are now able to apply to register a single design at the Intellectual Property Office ("IPO") using an online service.

The move comes after feedback was received from designers saying that the absence of such a system is a barrier to them registering their designs. Having researched the barriers to registration of designs, the IPO has developed a new, user-centred service. This beta version of the service will continue to be improved using ongoing feedback from users.

This is the first time that consumers have been able to register such designs digitally, as an alternative to the IPO's current method of applying for a design registration which uses a paper filing system. The paper service will remain available for those consumers who prefer to use this method.

This is further evidence of the IPO taking on board consumer feedback and making changes. Earlier in the summer, the IPO decided to launch its new online patent renewal service, making it simpler, quicker and cheaper for businesses and inventors to renew their patents. 'Renew a patent' is one of the Government's 25 projects which are focused on reviewing and improving government services, thus transforming and helping consumers use online services differently.

The Minister for Intellectual Property, Lord Younger, said: "The IPO is committed to delivering high quality services and improving the experience of its customers, and this latest development is part of a programme to transform all of its digital services."

The new service is available here: www.gov.uk/apply-register-design