What are industrial designs and what are they for?

What are Industrial Designs and what are they for?

At the heart of innovation and creativity in industry and design lies the concept of industrial designs. These designs not only shape the objects that surround us, but they also influence how we interact with them in our daily lives. In this article, we will explore what industrial designs are, present some examples, and delve into how they are protected in Mexico.

Industrial Designs, What Are They?

An industrial design refers to the visual or aesthetic appearance of a product, as long as it is given a peculiar appearance and does not involve technical effects. In Mexico there are two types of industrial designs:

• Industrial drawings, what are those designs two-dimensional that are incorporated into a product for ornamental purposes. These drawings may consist of lines, figures, or colors; and
• Industrial models, being the designs three-dimensional that serve as a type or pattern for manufacturing a product.

These designs range from everyday objects such as chairs, lamps and kitchen utensils to electronic devices and vehicles.

Examples of Emblematic Industrial Designs

1. Acapulco chair: This iconic hand-woven chair design, originally from Acapulco, Mexico, combines a steel structure with a traditional weaving technique. Its simple shape and comfort make it a classic of Mexican industrial design.

2. Apple iPod: The iPod design revolutionized the way we interact with music. Its combination of elegant form and an intuitive interface changed the music and technology industry.

3. Volkswagen Beetle: Known for its distinctive “beetle” shape, the Beetle is an example of how an industrial design can become a cultural icon and a lasting commercial success.

4. Tolomeo lamp: This Italian design lamp stands out for its flexibility and timeless style. Its functional and elegant design has made it a favorite in homes and workspaces.

Protection of Industrial Designs in Mexico

In Mexico, industrial designs can be protected through registration with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI). This process provides designers and innovators with the possibility of safeguarding the originality of their creations and grants exclusive rights to the registered design.

Registering an industrial design with the IMPI provides several benefits:

1. Exclusivity: The owner of the design obtains the exclusive right to manufacture, use, sell, offer for sale or import the product to which the industrial design is incorporated for a minimum of 5 years and up to a maximum of 25 years.

2. Legal Defense: In the event of an infringement, the owner of the design can take legal action to protect their rights and claim damages.

3. Business Value: Products with registered industrial designs often have a higher commercial value and can stand out in the market due to their exclusivity.

4. Differentiation: A protected industrial design can help differentiate a product in a competitive market by providing it with a unique identity.

Thus, the IMPI offers a means to protect these valuable designs, allowing creators to continue innovating with the confidence that their creations will be recognized and protected in the market.

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If you are looking to register an industrial design, RMG Abogados can help you. Contact us!