What is the duration of protection for design rights?

Design rights refer to the legal protection given to the visual design of objects that are not purely utilitarian. The duration of protection for design rights can vary depending on jurisdiction and specific legislation. In many regions, particularly under European Union law, the protection for registered designs lasts for up to 25 years, provided that the design is renewed every five years. However, unregistered design rights typically have a shorter duration, usually lasting for 10 to 15 years from the date of first public disclosure.

In this context, the correct answer is rooted in the typical protections afforded under various design laws, where it is common to associate a 15-year protection period for some unregistered designs. This period reflects the need for innovation while balancing public access after a reasonable time.

While other options propose different durations, they do not align with the standard durations established for design protections in most common jurisdictions, leading to misunderstandings about design rights. The recognition of a 15-year protection aligns with established practices and gives clarity to the duration that designers can protect their work from unauthorized use.