What we do
We analyse which aspects of the product may be protected and assess how that protection fits with other Intellectual Property tools, such as trademarks, copyright, patents or utility models, as appropriate.
- Assessment of novelty and of the protection strategy for the design.
- Filing of industrial design and model applications before DINAPI, claiming priority where applicable.
- Review and adaptation of the graphic representations to the applicable requirements.
- Prosecution, responses to office actions and renewals.
- Recordal of assignments and licences.
- Actions against unauthorised reproduction or imitation of the registered design.
Key facts
What an industrial design protects
An industrial design protects the appearance of a product, whether through a three-dimensional shape (model) or a two-dimensional combination of lines and colours (design). Protection covers its aesthetic features and not those dictated solely by a technical function.
To be registrable, the design or model must be new. It is therefore advisable to file the application before any disclosure, marketing or public use of the design. The legislation provides for specific exceptions that must be analysed in each case.
A single product may be protected in different ways: the industrial design for its appearance, the trademark for its distinctive signs and, where there is a technical innovation, a patent or utility model. We analyse the most suitable protection strategy in each case.
For international clients and foreign associates
Paraguay is not a member of the Hague System for the international registration of industrial designs. Protection in Paraguay must therefore be obtained through a national application before DINAPI. Where an earlier application exists abroad, the corresponding priority may be claimed under the Paris Convention, provided the applicable requirements and deadlines are met. We assist foreign owners and associates with the filing and prosecution of applications, setting out from the outset the applicable representation, documentation and priority requirements.
