Industrial design degree in Hungary

Hungary has many advantages for the development of industrial designs, contributing to an increase in the number of industrial design applications. Hungary has a long tradition of arts and crafts, with many talented artisans and designers. This creates a solid foundation for creativity and innovation in the field of industrial design. In the furniture sector, for example, Hungary has a long tradition of producing high-quality furniture. Hungarian designers can combine tradition and modernity to create unique and attractive interior products. The Hungarian fashion industry is growing rapidly, with many new brands emerging. Hungarian designers can take advantage of their creativity and craftsmanship to create unique and quality fashion products. Hungary has a diverse and growing manufacturing industry, especially in sectors such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food. This creates a great demand for products with attractive and competitive industrial designs. With a combination of tradition, innovation, and government support, Hungary could become an important industrial design hub in Europe. Therefore, more and more individuals and organizations want to register industrial designs in Hungary, Viet An Law would like to guide customers through the article below.

Legal Basis

• Law No. XLVIII of 2001 on Legal Protection of Designs (amended on October 25, 2013)

Definition of industrial design in Hungary

In Hungary, according to Law No. XLVIII of 2001 on the Legal Protection of Designs, an industrial design is defined as:

“Any composition of lines or colors or any three-dimensional form with or without relation to lines or colors, so long as such composition or form creates a distinctive appearance for an industrial or handicraft product and may serve as a template for an industrial or handicraft product.”

This definition includes both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the product’s appearance. It includes shapes, configurations, patterns, decorations, or any combination of these elements, as long as it gives the product a unique visual appeal.

Conditions for registering an industrial design in Hungary

• Novelty: The design must be new, which means it must not be identical to any design that has been publicly available before the filing date or priority date (if preference is required). Publicity includes any means of disclosure, such as publication, use, or exhibition.
• Individuality: The design must be personal, which means that it creates an overall impression that is different to the knowledgeable user compared to any existing design. This evaluation is made based on the knowledge and perception of the user who is familiar with the relevant product field.
• Not Excluded by Law: Designs that are not excluded from registration by law. This includes designs that are contrary to public or ethical policy, or designs that only include specifications.

Types of industrial designs that can be registered in Hungary

Two-way design

• Patterns, textures, or surface decorations
• Graphic icons or logos
• Typography design

Holographic design

• Shape of the product
• Configuration of the product
• Decorate the surface of the product

Combining two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs

The designs combine both 2D and 3D elements, as a patterned fabric used to upholster a uniquely shaped piece of furniture

Industrial Design Search in Hungary

Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO) Database

PIPACS is the official online database of HIPO. It allows users to search for Hungarian industrial designs, including those that are registered, pending, or expired. Users can search by a variety of criteria, such as model number, applicant name, or product classification.

Hague Express Database

This database, maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), provides access to international design registrations under the Hague System. Users can search for styles from Hungary and other participating countries.

DesignView

This is another database managed by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The system provides the right to look up design registrations from EU member states, including Hungary.

Application for Industrial design registration in Hungary

• Application Form: The application form includes the following information:
  • Name, address, nationality and contact information of the applicant (and representative, if applicable);
  • Title of industrial design;
  • Specifies the products to which the style will be applied (Product Type).
  • International Classification Code for Industrial Designs (Locarno Classification).
• Representative image of the style:
  • Drawings, photographs, or other graphic images of the design.
  • These images need to clearly represent all angles of the style (front, back, side, top, bottom, perspective, etc.).
  • A maximum of 7 images can be submitted.
• Priority documentation (if applicable): If a priority claim is from a previous application filed in another country, the applicant will need to submit a certified copy of the previous application.
• Power of attorney (if applicable): If the applicant files through a representative (e.g., attorney or intellectual property representative), the applicant will need to provide a power of attorney that allows them to act on behalf of the applicant.
• Other documents, if any:
  • Copyright claim (if the applicant is not the creator of the design).
  • The transfer document (if the rights to the design have been transferred).

Industrial design registration in Hungary under the Hague Agreement

What is the Hague Agreement on the Industrial design registration?

The Hague Agreement on the Industrial design registration (referred to as the Hague Agreement) is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This agreement provides an international registration system for industrial designs that makes it easy for individual designers and businesses to protect their designs on a global scale.

Benefits of registering industrial design protection through the Hague Agreement

• Simple: Instead of having to file an individual application in each country, the applicant only needs to file a single application in one language (English, French or Spanish) and pay in one currency (Swiss franc) to apply for protection in multiple member states.
• Savings: Significantly reduces costs compared to filing individual applications in each country.
• Centralized Management: Easily manage the applicant’s portfolio of registered industrial designs through a single system.
• Flexibility: The applicant can choose the countries in which you want to protect your industrial design.

Dossier of registration for protection of industrial designs under the Hague Agreement

A dossier for registration of an industrial design under the Hague Agreement includes the following documents:

• International Registration Declaration:
  • The applicant completes the application according to WIPO’s prescribed form in one of three languages: English, French or Spanish.
  • In the application, it is necessary to clearly specify the application for protection under the 1999 Document or the 1960 Document of the Hague Agreement.
  • List the countries in which the applicant wishes to protect his industrial design.
• Images or drawings of the industrial design: the image needs to clearly and fully show the perspectives of the industrial design that the applicant wants to register. The applicant also needs to pay attention to ensuring the quality of good and clear images or drawings.
• Documentation of payment of fees: The applicant notes that the international registration fee should be paid in accordance with WIPO regulations.

If you wish to file an application for registration of an industrial design in Hungary, please contact Viet An Law – IP Firm for the most effective support.