Design Rights

Our specialist solicitors and EU Design Attorneys provide a full service on design right strategy, registration and enforcement, all within the overall context of your IP strategy.

Experts in intellectual property law

There are two types of design right: unregistered design rights and registered design rights. Each of these types of right exist in the UK and the EU, which also currently includes the UK. The European Commission launched a review of EU design right legislation in 2019, which remains on-going. Unregistered design rights arise automatically in certain circumstances (where the design is original and non-commonplace). In the UK, this right is only applicable to 3D designs and protects the shape and configuration of objects.

Registered design rights are rights that have been obtained through registration with a relevant authority such as the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and offer a higher level of protection than unregistered rights. The appearance of a product can be protected, including the shape, colours, materials, texture and lines. In order to qualify for registration, a design must be new. Registration can protect both 3D and 2D designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, London, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield, and have lawyers based nationwide, helping clients across the UK and internationally.

We’re a full service commercial law firm, which means we provide all manners of business legal services for our clients. We deal with commercial law in England and Wales but we can liaise with other jurisdictions.

Our lawyers can provide you with expert advice on matters including:

Business Disputes
Commercial
Commercial Property
Corporate
Data Protection & Privacy Law
Employment Law
Financial Services Regulation
Intellectual Property
Information Technology
Venture Capital & Fundraising

We were originally founded in 2014 as ‘In-House Solicitors’ by our CEO Toby Harper. A year later, we successfully rebranded as Harper James Solicitors. Since then the business has achieved double digit growth year on year!

Not at all. We’re more than happy to come to you, or arrange a meeting at a location of your choice. We can also contact you via Skype or on the phone, it’s up to you. To book an initial consultation to discuss your requirements, with no obligation, contact us online and we’ll get back to you.

Yes of course, please contact us so we can explain how to go about this. It’s a much simpler process than you might think and we’ll take care of the formalities for you.

Netinspire

I have been Karama Law for all of my investment needs for several years now and I couldn’t be happier with their services. They are always available to answer any questions that I have and have helped me to make some very important financial decisions.

Chris Peers, CEO

Globex Corporation

I recently used Karama Law for some legal advice regarding a business dispute and was extremely impressed with their knowledge and expertise. They were able to provide me with the guidance that I needed to make some important decisions and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal services.

Mr G Heath, Managing Director

Initech

Choosing Karama Law was one of the best choices we made as a start-up. The firm has provided invaluable advice and insight throughout the early stages of our business.

Lee Purnell, CEO

Umbrella

What attracted me to Harper James was the pricing model they have in place. It means we get access to top legal professionals at prices we can afford. In our most recent funding round, the support we received was vital.

Tom Davenport, Managing Director

Design Rights

Experts in intellectual property law

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you based?

What types of instructions do you handle?

How long have you been in business?

Do I need to visit you at one of your offices?

Can you take over my current lawyers?

Netinspire

Globex Corporation

Initech

Umbrella