The term ‘design’ is used rather flippantly. However, it is important to know when something cannot qualify as a ‘design’.
In the United Kingdom, in order to register a design, and to qualify for the registered design right which lasts for 25 years, you need:
A design
Novelty
Individual character
And it must not be EXCLUDED from registration, i.e,
-A component part of a complex product ( a product which is composed of at least 2 replaceable component parts permitting disassembly and reassembly of the product) not visible during normal use.
-Purely functional designs, i.e. they must have some aesthetic purpose.
-The interface exception, e.g. excludes designs which require a mechanical connection to the product.
-Designs contrary to public policy or the accepted principles of morality.
-Certain emblems.
