A design that is new and has individual character can be protected upon request. This gives the holder the exclusive right to use the aesthetic form (design, color, shape) of an object or a surface area (e.g. fabric or wallpaper pattern).

A grace period of 12 months applies for prior publications by the applicant. The initial term of protection is five years and can be extended four times to a total of 25 years.

In addition to the national design protection there ist he community design as a single, cost effective property right for all countries of the European Union.