OAPI: Design

Industrial designs within OAPI follow a unified filing system, providing a streamlined process to protect aesthetic or ornamental aspects of an article across all member states.

• Procedures: Applicants must submit clear depictions of the design, along with a brief description.
• Duration: Initial protection lasts 5 years from the filing date, renewable twice for 5-year periods each, up to a total of 15 years.
• Member State Implications: Registration automatically extends design protection to every member state. Enforcement of these rights, including potential infringement actions, typically occurs before national courts.
• Unique Aspects: By offering a single regional registration process, OAPI significantly reduces administrative overhead, providing uniform design protection across diverse jurisdictions.