Design Rights in Korea
In the Republic of Korea, Design Rights serve as the equivalent to Design Patents in the United States. Design Rights protect the visual appearance of a product or an object, including its shape, pattern, color, and texture. These rights can be employed to safeguard your exclusive right to utilize your product design, preventing design theft and providing a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Scope of Protection:
Korean Design Rights protect both two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs. The scope of protection covers industrial products, handicrafts, graphic symbols, and typographic typefaces. However, it does not extend to designs that are solely dictated by the product’s technical function.
Requirements for Design Rights in Korea:
- Novelty: The design must be new and not identical or similar to any prior design.
- Industrial Applicability: The design must be applicable to an industrial product or process.
- Aesthetic Value: The design must possess aesthetic qualities that appeal to the senses and hold value in the eyes of consumers.
How Can Meta IP Assist You?
Services Pertaining to Design Rights:
- Design Consultation: We offer consultation services on product design protection, helping you understand the nuances of design rights and the most effective strategies for safeguarding your creations.
- Design Rights Registration: Our team can guide you through the process of registering your design rights, ensuring all requirements are met and preparing the necessary documentation.
- International Design Applications: We handle international design applications based on the Hague system through the World Intellectual Property Organization, enabling you to protect your designs in multiple countries with a single application.
- Design Rights Enforcement: We provide support in enforcing your design rights, including monitoring potential infringements, sending cease-and-desist letters, and taking legal action when necessary.
- Design Rights Maintenance: Our team will assist you in maintaining your design rights, ensuring timely renewal and proper record-keeping.
With our expertise and experience, Meta IP is well-equipped to help you navigate the complexities of Korean Design Rights and protect your valuable creations.