Industrial Designs

A product’s appearance can be one of its most valuable commercial assets. A distinctive shape, form, pattern or visual identity can set a product apart in the market—and design protection helps ensure that advantage is not simply copied.

Apex Law Chamber advises businesses, manufacturers, designers and brand owners on the registration, protection, enforcement and commercialisation of industrial designs.

From the first assessment of a new design to registration, enforcement, renewal, assignment and licensing, we help clients protect the visual features that make their products distinctive.

Timing matters.

One of the most important steps in protecting a design is filing before the product is publicly disclosed or commercially launched. An early exhibition, catalogue, website, social media post, promotional campaign or retail release may compromise the ability to obtain design protection.

We work with clients at the pre-launch stage to identify protectable designs, assess filing strategy and coordinate applications before disclosure occurs.

Where a design has already entered the public domain, we assess alternative or complementary forms of protection, including trademarks, copyright, passing-off and other available intellectual property rights.

Design registration protects the visual character of a product—the elements customers see and associate with the product itself.

Our advice is focused not only on obtaining registration, but on building protection that supports the client's wider commercial objectives. Depending on the product and business model, design protection may be combined with trademarks, patents, copyright and other intellectual property rights to create a stronger overall protection strategy.

• We manage the registration process from preparation through completion, including:
• Preliminary design and registrability assessment
• Filing strategy and application preparation
• Preparation and coordination of design specimens
• Domestic and international applicant requirements
• Priority claims and supporting documentation
• Representation before the Department of Industry
• Responses to examination queries and objections
• Registration and portfolio management
• Renewal and protection monitoring
• For international businesses entering Nepal, we also advise on the relationship between foreign design protection and the need for protection.

A registered design is more than a certificate—it is a commercial right that can be enforced, transferred and licensed.

We advise clients on suspected copying and unauthorised use and assist with appropriate enforcement measures. Where a design forms part of a broader brand or product strategy, we coordinate design protection with other intellectual property rights to strengthen the client's position against imitation.

We also assist with:

Assignment and Transfer

Structuring and documenting the transfer of design ownership as part of a transaction, restructuring or intellectual property portfolio strategy.

Licensing

Enabling third parties to use protected designs under commercially agreed terms, including royalty and usage arrangements.

Portfolio Management

Maintaining and renewing design rights so valuable protection remains effective throughout the product lifecycle.

• Industrial design protection can be valuable across almost every product-driven sector, including:
• Consumer and household products
• Packaging and containers
• Furniture and interior products
• Lighting and electrical products
• Jewellery and watches
• Fashion and textiles
• Electronics and consumer technology
• Automotive products
• Medical and technical equipment
• Handicrafts and manufactured goods
• Product interfaces and visual elements
• For businesses with multiple intellectual property assets, we help determine which elements should be protected—and how different rights should work together.

A successful product can attract customers—and competitors.

Protecting its distinctive appearance early can help preserve the investment made in its design, development and commercialisation.

At Apex Law Chamber, we provide practical, commercially focused advice on design rights, helping clients secure protection, respond to imitation and turn design assets into valuable business rights.

Protect the design. Preserve the distinction.