Designs and models law
As part of our work providing legal advice, our firm assists clients in protecting and defending their elements of intellectual property.
Prior to any litigation proceedings, and to avoid them as far as possible, we also provide the following services for our clients:
With this agreement, the author of a design, the creator of a model or their assignee can transfer ownership of it to one or more persons. The transfer of ownership can be carried out in return for compensation or for free.
This agreement enables the owner of a model or design to temporarily grant the right to use or manage their creation commercially to another person in return for a payment or, for instance, another licence on an element of intellectual property. This can also be done for free.
During a commercial negotiation, the creator of a design or model which has not yet been registered may need to show their creation to an interested third party. In this case, a non-disclosure agreement can be essential for the creator. It is an agreement between two parties whereby one of the parties undertakes to ensure that certain information, as indicated by the other party, remains confidential.
Indeed, this type of agreement allows a design or model which has not yet been registered to maintain its validity (novelty criteria) while being presented to a potential partner. It formalises the liability of any third party in the event of unauthorised use or disclosure of the design or model.
The registration of designs and models is formalised by a registration request. Such a registration is valid for five years and may be subject to extensions for a similar duration, limited to a total duration of 20 years. This procedure is strategically important because it protects the creation, allowing it to stand out from the competition, promote the company and attract consumers with its unique and « protected » design.