Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan: Design Registration and Protection

Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan)

Historical Background

IPO-Pakistan was established as an autonomous body on April 8, 2005, under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division for integrated and efficient intellectual property management in the country. On July 25, 2016, the administrative control of IPO-Pakistan was transferred from the Cabinet Division to the Commerce Division.

The Trade Marks Registry, Copyright Office, and the Patent & Design Office became part of the new Organization under a unified and integrated management system.

Major Functions

1. Administer and coordinate all Government systems for protection and strengthening of Intellectual Property (IP)
2. Manage all IP offices in the country
3. Create awareness about IP Rights
4. Advise the Federal Government on IP Policy
5. Ensure effective enforcement of IP rights through designated IPR Enforcement Agencies (Police, FIA, and Pakistan Customs)

What is Design?

An industrial design is the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article, in other words, that part which makes the article attractive & appealing. It may consist of three-dimensional features, such as the shape or surface of an article, or two-dimensional features, such as patterns, lines, or colors. An industrial design is primarily of an aesthetic, visual nature and does not relate to the technical features of an article.

Essential Characteristics

The industrial design is recognized as original if its essential characteristics determine the creative nature of the product's features. Significant features include, in particular, shape, configuration, ornament, and color combination.

Industrial designs help in making any product or item more beautiful and appealing. When a new and original design is created, applied to a product, and commercialized, if it obtains a certain level of commercial success, it is very important to protect the design legally.

Registration of a Design

An application for the registration of a design must be made on a prescribed form and must be accompanied by the prescribed number of representations of the design or the specimen of the article bearing the design and by the prescribed fee and affidavit in accordance with Rule 63B.

If it is desired to register the same design in more than one class, a separate application must be made in each class.