The registration process
Before we go through the administrative steps to get your design registered, there are a few basics which we need to unpack. Let’s have a look at the example of an existing design registration certificate shown below. Actually, it is in three parts: the certificate of registration itself, the definitive and explanatory statements, and the drawings.
The certificate of registration
Note the following:
- The design registration number;
- The person in whose name the design is registered, called the proprietor or owner;
- The part of the register. Part A is for aesthetic designs, and Part F is for functional designs;
- The article(s) to which the design is to be applied and the class; and
- The date of lodgement and duration.
The definitive statement and an explanatory statement
An example of a definitive statement is shown here. We look at this aspect a bit further in the section on The definitive and explanatory statements.
The drawings
Called representations, drawings must accompany the application.
The drawings in this example were taken from South African design registration A2015/01379 in the name of Supercart South Africa (Pty) Ltd, referred to above. The purpose of the drawings is to give a clear representation of the pattern, shape or configuration of the designed article.
Now, let’s look at who can legally claim the design right.