-- JonathanMo - 14 Sep 2015

Introduction

Industrial design involves the design of three-dimensional products which may range from consumer goods to technologically more sophisticated equipment, and includes the engineering design of products such as machine tools. Designs may be those with an aesthetic input where appearance strongly influences customer choice such as furniture, textiles, clothes, china, cutlery and household appliances; or they may be more functional designs of equipment which is purchased to do a job or where appearance does not primarily influence choice, except to the extent that it suggests that the article will perform better. Generally, designs law protects representations of commercial and industrial products, rather than artistic endeavour. Its scope is far narrower than copyright law.