Industrial Designs establish the language of a product as well as the corporate branding and identity of an enterprise. What is the difference between an industrial design right and a patent? What are the advantages to a

Difference between an industrial design right and a patent: An industrial design right protects only the appearance or aesthetic features of a product, whereas a patent protects an invention that offers a new technical solution to a problem. In principle, an industrial design right does not protect the technical or functional features of a product. Such features could, however, potentially be protected by a patent. Advantages of protecting industrial designs: The protection of industrial designs should form an integral part of any business strategy. The main reasons to protect industrial designs are the following: Return on investments: Protection contributes to obtaining a return on investments made in creating and marketing attractive and innovative products. Exclusive rights: Protection provides exclusive rights for at least 10 years, so as to prevent or stop others from commercially exploiting or copying the industrial design. Strengthen brands: Industrial designs can be an important element of a company's brand. Protecting industrial designs contributes to protecting a company's brand. Opportunity to license or sell: Protection provides rights that may be sold or licensed to another enterprise, which will then be a source of income for the owner of the rights. Positive image: Protection helps convey a positive image of a company, since industrial designs are business assets which may increase the market value of a company and its products. Reward: Protecting industrial designs rewards and encourages creativity.