Community Design
01-May-2003
As of 1st April 2003, it became possible to file a Community Design before the OHIM (Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Market). A Community Design is a unitary right that extends to cover all current member states of the European Union (15 countries). Its protection will be extended to the 10 new member states of the EU as of 1st May 2004. The Community Design will be registered for an initial period of 5 years. It may be renewed for additional periods of 5 years, up to a maximum term of 25 years. In order for the design to be eligible for protection, it has to be new, and must have an individual character. Finally the design must cover only ornamental creations.