A Design is the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article. The design may consist of three-dimensional features, such as the shape or surface of an article, or of two-dimensional features, such as patterns, lines or colors.

Designs are applied to a wide variety of products of industry and handicraft: from technical and medical instruments to watches, jewelry, and other luxury items; from house wares and electrical appliances to vehicles and architectural structures, from textile designs to leisure goods. When a Design is protected, the person or entity that has registered the design is assured an exclusive right against unauthorized copying or imitation of the design by third parties. This helps to ensure a fair return on investment.