1. Contents

This guide provides information on how design applications are examined in respect of national applications filed at the UK Intellectual Property Office.

Its main aim is to ensure consistency of approach in respect of decisions made by the Registrar of Designs, and to provide guidance on practice and procedures for third parties looking to use our registration service.


  1. Part A: Introduction
    Includes introduction and purpose of this guide.

  2. Part B: Absolute grounds for refusal
    Includes chapters on definition of a design, novelty and individual character, technical function, morality and emblems.

  3. Part C: Formalities
    Includes chapters on applications, modification, priority and convention claims, illustrations and disclaimers.

  4. Part D: The examination report and post-examination procedures
    Includes time limits, examination and withdrawals.

  5. Part E: Hague Agreement for the International Registration of Industrial Designs
    Includes chapters on applying for International registrations, design representation, deferment of publication, examination, refusals and renewals.

  6. Part F: Locarno classification
    Includes classifying designs under the Locarno system.

  7. Part G: Glossary
    The glossary contains a short explanation of terms and abbreviations, contained within the manual.
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