Even where patents are unavailable, the possibility of obtaining protection for design innovation exists, but is frequently overlooked. Design rights, however, are of increasing value since European law has changed to give them enhanced protection. The IP team can provide advice on the protection of registered and unregistered designs, the exploitation of those rights and the enforcement of design rights in the event of a dispute.

The team has advised on the commission, ownership and subsistence of design rights in packaging materials and successfully litigated through the courts, up to the level of the Court of Appeal.