Know the main alternative protections according to the type of innovation
How do you protect an innovation that won't be patented?

The appearance of a product (in particular its lines, contours, colors, shape, texture or materials) can be protected by registering a design patent. Protection lasts for five years, and can be renewed for identical periods up to a maximum of twenty-five years. The design is normally published immediately after registration, but it is possible to request deferment of publication for a period of three years.

To be valid, a design must :

• be new, i.e. at the date of filing, no identical design has been disclosed;...