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DF Bluem - Patent Attorney Agent Leeds. Free Patent Advice and Guidance.

PATENT VS. DESIGN VS TRADEMARK

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE ?

When developing a new product or brand, it’s essential to understand how to protect your intellectual property (IP). Many inventors and businesses use the terms patent, design and trademark interchangeably - but they each protect very different aspects of an idea.

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At DF Bluem, we specialise in helping inventors and companies secure the right kind of protection for their innovations. This guide explains the key differences between patents, registered designs and trademarks, helping you make the right decisions to safeguard your invention, design or brand identity.

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WHAT IS A PATENT?
 

A patent protects the functional or technical aspects of an invention - how something works, what it does or how it’s made. A granted patent gives you the exclusive right to stop others from making, using or selling your invention without permission. Patents are ideal for protecting new products, processes or systems that involve a technical innovation. 

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EXAMPLES OF PATENTABLE INVENTIONS :

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  • A new type of cutting tool or mechanical mechanism.

  • A chemical composition or manufacturing process.

  • A novel piece of electronic hardware.

  • An improved medical or consumer device.

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KEY PATENT FACTS :

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  • Protection lasts up to 20 years from the filing date.

  • Your invention must be new, inventive and industrially applicable.

  • Patent applications are examined by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) or international authorities.

  • Public disclosure before filing can destroy your ability to patent.

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IN SUMMARY :

 

A patent protects how something works - not how it looks.

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WHAT IS A REGISTERED DESIGN ?
 

A registered design (sometimes called a design patent in other countries) protects the appearance of a product - its shape, surface decoration, colour, texture or pattern. Design registration prevents others from copying or imitating the visual features that make your product distinctive, even if they create it using different technical means.

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EXAMPLES OF PROTECTABLE DESIGNS :

 

  • The unique shape of a bottle or packaging.

  • The external design of a household product.

  • The pattern or surface decoration on a manufactured item.

  • The distinctive silhouette of a piece of furniture or consumer gadget.

 

KEY DESIGN PROTECTION FACTS :

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  • Registration gives up to 25 years of protection (renewable every 5 years).

  • It must be new and have individual character.

  • You can protect both 2D designs (graphics, patterns) and 3D shapes.

  • You don’t need to disclose how it works - only how it looks.

 

IN SUMMARY :

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A registered design protects how something looks - not how it works.

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WHAT IS A TRADEMARK ?
 

A trademark protects your brand identity - the name, logo, slogan or sign that distinguishes your goods or services from others in the market. Trademarks are crucial for building brand recognition, consumer trust and long-term value. They can be registered for words, symbols, graphics or even sounds that identify your brand.

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EXAMPLES OF TRADEMARKS :

 

  • Company or product names (e.g., Dyson®, LEGO® or Coca-Cola®).

  • Logos and symbols used on packaging or products.

  • Taglines or advertising phrases.

  • Distinctive shapes or sounds linked with a brand.

 

KEY TRADEMARK FACTS :

 

  • Registration grants exclusive rights to use your mark in specific categories of goods and services.

  • Protection can last indefinitely, provided you renew it every 10 years.

  • Trademarks apply to both products and services.

  • Enforced through the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) or EUIPO (for European coverage).

 

IN SUMMARY :

 

A trademark protects your brand identity - the name, logo or sign that identifies your product or business.

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COMBINING IP RIGHTS FOR STRONGER PROTECTION
 

For maximum security, it’s common to combine patents, designs and trademarks to protect different aspects of the same product.

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EXAMPLE :

 

  • Imagine you’ve invented a new type of kitchen appliance:

  • The internal mechanism is protected by a patent.

  • The external appearance is protected by a registered design.

  • The brand name and logo are protected by a trademark.

 

By using these three forms of IP together, you create layered protection that covers both functionality and appearance, while also building brand recognition. This makes it far more difficult for competitors to copy or imitate your product.

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COMMON MISTAKES WHEN CHOOSING IP PROTECTION
 

Many inventors misunderstand which form of protection applies to their work. Common mistakes include :

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  • Trying to patent a purely decorative design.

  • Forgetting to trademark a product name before launch.

  • Disclosing design concepts before filing.

  • Confusing copyright with design registration.

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HOW TO AVOID THESE ERRORS :


Seek professional advice early. At DF Bluem, we help identify which intellectual property rights are most suitable for your invention, design or brand - ensuring you invest in the right protection.

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HOW DF BLUEM CAN HELP
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We provide a full range of intellectual property support - from invention development to patent protection, design registration and brand identity creation. Our team combines product design, engineering and IP expertise to deliver an integrated approach to protecting innovation.

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OUR SERVICES INCLUDE :

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  • Patent Search and Novelty Checking – ensuring your invention is new.

  • Patent Drafting and Specification Writing – preparing detailed, compliant documentation.

  • Patent Application Filing (UK and International) – securing your rights worldwide.

  • Design Protection and Registration – securing the visual aspects of your product.

  • Trademark Strategy and Filing – protecting your business identity and brand assets.

  • Invention Commercialisation – helping you monetise your protected ideas.

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By combining creativity with legal understanding, we help inventors protect every layer of their innovation - from technical invention to visual identity and brand recognition.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT IP STRATEGY
 

The best IP strategy depends on your goals, market and resources.

 

  • For technical inventions: start with a patent search and prepare a patent specification.

  • For consumer products or packaging: register your design to prevent imitation.

  • For businesses and brands: protect your name and logo with a trademark.

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In many cases, combining all three offers the most comprehensive protection and commercial leverage.

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Understanding the differences between patents, designs and trademarks is the first step in protecting your innovation - but applying the right protection in practice requires expertise. At DF Bluem, we help inventors, startups and established companies navigate the full IP landscape with clarity and confidence.

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