Originally published May 2018

The ICC report on design protection for graphical user interfaces is now available.

As GUIs and other forms of digital designs become increasingly important and valuable in the digital economy, the report was conceived as a practical tool for businesses, with information on prosecution and enforcement aspects of GUI designs from different countries and regions, and on issues for companies to address when developing their GUI design filing strategy. It also suggests issues for policy makers to consider in reviewing design systems to make protection for GUIs more effective and efficient.

The report was first presented at the 39th session of the WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (SCT), in late April 2018 in Switzerland.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the world's largest business organization with a network of over 6 million members in more than 100 countries.

Ms. Lili Wu, senior patent attorney in CCPIT Patent and Trademark Law Office, is the task force chair and one of the lead drafters in this project.

Download the report here.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.