- Non-critical appearance:
– If the design of an article is not distinctive or innovative, it cannot be registered.
- Designs that are contrary to public order or morality:
– Any design that is contrary to public morals or order will not be accepted.
- Designs protected by other laws:
– Include computer programs or protected layout designs.
- Item-specific design:
– Sculptural works (except in the case of casts or models used for industrial reproduction).
– Wall trims, medals and medals.
– Printed matter that is primarily of a literary or artistic nature, such as:
– Book covers
-Calendar
-certificate
-Ticket
– Clothing patterns
-greeting card
-label
– Leaflets
-map
-postcard
-stamp
– Commercials and forms
- Method or principle of construction:
– Any basic methods and principles involving technology or processes are not applicable to registration.
- Function-Driven Shapes:
– If the shape of the item depends solely on its function, it will not be registered.
- Depends on the appearance of other items:
– If the appearance of the designed article depends on the appearance of another article, it does not meet the registration requirements.
- Contains national symbols:
– Any design containing a national flag, national emblem, regional flag or regional emblem cannot be registered.
These provisions are intended to ensure the uniqueness and legitimacy of the design and to avoid infringement of public interest or morality.
Intellectual Property Department Designs https://www.ipd.gov.hk/tc/designs/design-basics/index.html
