What is Industrial Design?
An industrial design refers to the features of shape, configuration, pattern, or ornament applied to an article through an industrial process, whereby such features, as manifested in the finished article, are visual in nature and are assessed by the eye. In the context of industrial design law, an “article” refers to any physical, manufactured product to which a design is applied, broadly encompassing any tangible object producible through an industrial or manufacturing process.
Examples of articles to which an industrial design may be applied include but not limited to:
- Furniture (chairs, tables)
- Consumer electronics (phone casings, remote controls)
- Packaging (bottles, containers)
- Household goods (kettles, lamps)
- Automotive parts (wheel rims, dashboard panels)
- Clothing accessories (belt buckles, shoe soles)
How we can help to protect your industrial design?
Quality Oracle administers a wide range of tasks relating to Industrial Design protection, including:
- ✓ Industrial Design Searches
- ✓ Industrial Design Licensing
- ✓ Industrial Design Portfolio Management
- ✓ Industrial Design Renewal
- ✓ Industrial Design Sale & Transfer
- ✓ Registration in Malaysia, ASEAN & Worldwide
Industrial Designs Act 1996 & Industrial Designs Regulations 1999.
The registration and protection of industrial designs in Malaysia are governed by the Industrial Designs Act 1996 (Act 552) and the Industrial Designs Regulations 1999, which together establish the legal framework for the acquisition, maintenance, and enforcement of design rights. Malaysia adopts a first-to-file system, whereby the right to register a design vests in the applicant who first files a valid application with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), regardless of who first created the design. Pursuant to the Industrial Designs (Amendment) Act 2013, a worldwide novelty standard applies, meaning any public disclosure of the design prior to the filing date, whether in Malaysia or elsewhere in the world, may irreversibly prejudice its registrability. Proprietors are therefore strongly advised to file before any public disclosure is made.
The international system for classifying industrial designs.
Malaysia is a member of the Locarno Agreement and thus utilises the Locarno Classification. The Locarno Classification is an international classification used for the purposes of registration of industrial designs.
Common questions.
Browse the FAQ library for in-depth answers on registration, enforcement, costs, and international filing.