Industrial Design Rights (IDRs) and Patents are two of the most important intellectual property tools for businesses that wish to protect their products or inventions. An IDR is a legal protection for the decorative or aesthetic features of an item, and a Patent is a legal protection for the functional aspects of an invention. Both IDRs and Patents provide exclusive rights to their owner, allowing them to prevent others from making, selling or using their creations without permission.
The main difference between an Industrial Design Right and a Patent is in the scope of what they protect. An Industrial Design Right protects the physical appearance of an item, such as its shape, design, colour, texture and materials.
On the other hand, a Patent protects the functionality and technical features of an invention. A Patent is broader in scope than an IDR as it covers not only the structure of an invention but also its use and operation.
Another difference between IDRs and Patents is that Patents are generally more expensive to obtain since they require more elaborate documentation. Additionally, Patent protection typically lasts longer than IDR protection. While Patents can last up to twenty years from the date of filing, IDRs typically last for about ten years.
Conclusion:
What Is the Difference Between An Industrial Design Right And A Patent?
The primary difference between an Industrial Design Right (IDR) and a Patent is that an IDR protects the physical appearance of an item while a Patent protects its functional aspects. Additionally, Patents are typically more expensive to obtain than IDRs and last longer as well.