Designs protect the novel appearance of the whole or a part of a product resulting from the features of, in particular, the lines, contours, colours, shape, texture and/or materials of the product itself, and/or its ornamentation.

Only applicants who do not have an ordinary residence or a principal place of business in Malta or an EU Member state, must appoint a local representative.

The appropriate form may be completed and submitted online at ips.gov.mt accompanied by the drawings, sketches or diagram and a brief description of the novel features of the design.

1. In the case where representative has been appointed – a certified copy of the power of attorney document must also be submitted.
2. In the case where priority is being claimed – a certified copy of the priority document must also be submitted.

The cost for a new design is €46.59. covering the filing, registration and publication of the new design.

It takes approximately 1-2 months from date of filing to date of registration.