Designs timeline
Updated 1 April 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/process-for-applying-to-register-for-a-design/designs-timeline
1. Before you apply
You should:
- conduct a search of the design registers to check if anyone else has registered your design
- ask the Intellectual Property Office to search UK registered designs for you. This costs £30
2. Prepare your application
To make your application you will need to prepare illustrations that show the design. You can include up to 12 illustrations, and must meet the rules for illustrations.
3. Send your application
You must have illustrations of your design before you can apply to register a design.
The fees you pay relate to the number of designs you are registering, not the number of illustrations you include.
| Number of designs | Online fee |
|---|---|
| One | £60 |
| Up to 10 | £85 |
| Up to 20 | £110 |
| Up to 30 | £135 |
| Up to 40 | £160 |
| Up to 50 | £185 |
4. After you apply
The IPO will:
- examine your application (within 2 weeks)
- let you know if there are any problems and tell you what you can do. You will have a minimum of 2 months to resolve any issues.
If there are no issues or you manage to resolve them, your design will be registered.
5. When your design is registered
The IPO will:
- publish your design in the journal of registered designs
- send you a certificate to confirm your design is registered You can then:
- display your registration number on your design
- license, sell or mortgage your design
You must renew your design registration every 5 years to keep it protected, for up to 25 years in total.