When commercializing a new product, protecting technological innovations through patents is only one aspect of an effective intellectual property strategy. The external appearance of a product—including its shape, configuration, ornamentation, graphical user interfaces (GUI), icons, and visual design—also constitutes valuable intellectual property that enhances brand recognition and market competitiveness.
However, the legal framework governing Industrial Designs, Design Patents, and Registered Designs differs significantly among jurisdictions. Variations exist in protection terms, commencement dates of protection, renewal requirements, examination procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. Therefore, businesses planning international product launches should establish a comprehensive global design protection strategy at the earliest stage of product development. Junrui International Patent & Trademark Office (JR) has compiled the protection terms for industrial designs in major jurisdictions worldwide, categorized according to their maximum protection period.
1. Maximum Protection Term: 15 Years
China, the United States, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cambodia, Brunei, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, Namibia, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Jamaica, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, North Korea, Oman, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Niger, Rwanda, and OAPI (African Intellectual Property Organization).
2. Maximum Protection Term: 20 Years
South Korea and Mauritius.
3. Maximum Protection Term: 25 Years
Japan, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Poland, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, the Benelux countries, Estonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Israel, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and San Marino.
4. Maximum Protection Term: 50 Years
Monaco.
5.Why Did Japan Extend Design Protection to 25 Years?
Japan amended its Design Act in 2019, with the amendments taking effect on April 1, 2020. The amendment extended the protection term of a registered design from 20 years calculated from the registration date to 25 years calculated from the filing date.
This legislative reform reflects the evolving global trend toward stronger industrial design protection and was primarily motivated by the following considerations.
(1) Longer Product Life Cycles and Stronger Brand Value
In industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, luxury goods, furniture, and medical devices, product designs often remain commercially valuable for decades. Extending the protection period allows businesses to preserve brand identity, safeguard design assets, and maintain long-term market competitiveness.
(2) Harmonization with International Standards
The European Union’s Registered Community Design (RCD) system provides protection for up to 25 years. By aligning its Design Act with international practice, Japan strengthened the global competitiveness of Japanese businesses and facilitated more efficient multinational design protection.
(3) A Unified Filing-Date-Based Protection System
The revised Design Act adopts the filing date as the commencement point for calculating the protection term. This change not only aligns the design system with patent law but also complements Japan’s expanded Related Design System, preventing applicants from artificially extending protection through successive related design filings or conversion procedures.
6. Global Design Protection Strategy Before Product Launch
Businesses intending to market products in the United States, Japan, the European Union, China, South Korea, or Southeast Asia should conduct design searches and file industrial design applications before any public disclosure, including exhibitions, crowdfunding campaigns, online marketing, or commercial sales.
Early filing helps preserve novelty and secures stronger legal protection across multiple jurisdictions.
Junrui International Patent & Trademark Office (JR) provides comprehensive international intellectual property services, including:
Global Industrial Design Filing
International Design Portfolio Strategy
Design Patent Searches
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Analysis
Design Infringement Risk Assessment
Cross-Border IP Protection
Comparative Analysis of International Design Laws
We assist businesses in building comprehensive global intellectual property strategies that protect innovative product designs and maximize long-term commercial value.
