Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
TECHNOLOGY AND FORM — DESIGN RIGHTS VERSUS PATENTS
Hillner, Matthias
Type:
Year:
2015
Editor:
Guy Bingham, Darren Southee, John McCardle, Ahmed Kovacevic, Erik Bohemia, Brian Parkinson
Author:
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
Royal College of Art, London, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Section:
Innovation
Page(s):
456-460
ISBN:
978-1-904670-62-9
Abstract:
Design innovations marketed by start-up companies are currently mostly protected through patents,
which are tailored towards protecting scientific and measurable findings, and not suitable for
harnessing product languages. Start-ups struggle with the costs needed for filing and protecting
patents. This paper relies on a comprehensive literature review and on interviews with key industry
representatives and builds on a case study. The alleged infringement of the design rights related to the
Trunki travel case will help assess the future impact of the current changes in the legislation.
This paper examines the differences and the potential connection points between patents and
registered design rights. How do the benefits and disadvantages of patents compare to those of design
registrations? How exactly can one extract value from both forms of intellectual property rights (IPR),
and how can they be combined most effectively? The case studies will highlight other criteria for
success such as access to complementary assets as defined by David Teece, and collaborative
arrangements. Thus it will assess the future relevance of IPR within the wider context of innovation
management and start-up business development.
which are tailored towards protecting scientific and measurable findings, and not suitable for
harnessing product languages. Start-ups struggle with the costs needed for filing and protecting
patents. This paper relies on a comprehensive literature review and on interviews with key industry
representatives and builds on a case study. The alleged infringement of the design rights related to the
Trunki travel case will help assess the future impact of the current changes in the legislation.
This paper examines the differences and the potential connection points between patents and
registered design rights. How do the benefits and disadvantages of patents compare to those of design
registrations? How exactly can one extract value from both forms of intellectual property rights (IPR),
and how can they be combined most effectively? The case studies will highlight other criteria for
success such as access to complementary assets as defined by David Teece, and collaborative
arrangements. Thus it will assess the future relevance of IPR within the wider context of innovation
management and start-up business development.
Keywords:
