Industrial Designs Law in Armenia
Industrial design law in Armenia is primarily governed by the Law on Legal Protection of Industrial Designs, adopted to regulate the registration, protection, and enforcement of industrial designs in the country. The law aligns with international standards, including Armenia's membership in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and compliance with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
Key Features of Industrial Design Law in Armenia
1. Definition
An industrial design refers to the appearance of the whole or a part of a product, resulting from the features of, in particular, the lines, contours, colors, shape, texture, or materials of the product itself or its ornamentation.
2. Eligibility
To be eligible for protection, a design must be new and have individual character (i.e., it should differ significantly from known designs).
📄 Registration Process
Application Filing
Applications are submitted to the Armenian Intellectual Property Agency (AIPA).
The application should include a representation of the design, a description if necessary, and information about the applicant and creator.
Examination
AIPA conducts a formal examination and may assess novelty and originality.
Publication
Registered designs are published in the official bulletin, allowing for public awareness and potential oppositions.
Registration
If the design meets the legal criteria, it is registered and the applicant receives a certificate of registration.
⏳ Duration of Protection
Initial protection is granted for 5 years from the filing date.
Protection can be renewed up to 3 times, each renewal extending the term by 5 years, for a maximum total term of 15 years.
⚖️ Rights Conferred
The holder of the industrial design registration has the exclusive right to use the design and to prevent unauthorized use, reproduction, or imitation by third parties.
🌍 International Treaties
Armenia is a member of the Paris Convention and WIPO.
It is a party to the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, allowing for international registration and protection.
🛡️ Enforcement
Industrial design owners may enforce their rights in Armenian courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing products.
✅ Summary
Armenia’s industrial design law protects the aesthetic aspects of products that are new and original.
Registration is handled by AIPA with protection lasting up to 15 years (renewable every 5 years).
Armenia participates in key international treaties facilitating international design protection.
Enforcement is available through civil courts with remedies for infringement.
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