A DESIGN consists of three dimensional features of a shape, configuration, or two dimensional features of a pattern or ornamentation that can be applied to an article. The features must be able to be judged by the eye in the finished article. Design are applied to a wide variety of product of industry and handicraft.

 

HOW DESIGNS ARE PROTECTED

In Vanuatu a design needs to be registered under the Designs Act No 3 of 2003 in order to be protected.  

WHAT RIGHTS ARE GIVEN BY REGISTRATION OF A DESIGN?

The registered owner of a design has the exclusive rights:

  • to use the design; and
  • to authorise other persons to use the design.

The registered owner of a design has also the right to take action under Design Act No 3 of 2003 if his or her design has been infringed. Note that the registered owner has these rights from the date of registration of the design.

DESIGN PROTECTION PERIOD

Once you have registered your design, it is protected for 10 years and further renewable after 10 years.

CONDITION TO OBTAIN DESIGN PROTECTION

A design must in general, fulfill the following conditions to be protected. It must be new and not previously been disclosed to the public. The design must be also original if it significantly differs from known designs or combinations of known design features.

Also if the owner of the copyright in an artistic work applies to register a corresponding design; and the work has been previously used commercially by the owner; than the design is not new or original. 

A design is also not to be registered for an article if the design:

  • differs only in immaterial details or in features commonly used in the relevant trade from a design that was registered, published or used in Vanuatu for the same article before the priority date for the application for registration; or
  • is an obvious adaptation of a design that was registered, published or used in Vanuatu for another article before the priority date for the application for registration.
  • is primarily literary or artistic in character

However a design may be registered although the design consists of, or includes, features of shape or configuration that serve, or serve only, a functional purpose.