Types of legal protection for fashion A-level fashion and textiles

Copyright- used to protect artistic, photographic, or other physically expressed creative pieces. No formal register, but can be protected up to 70 years after artist’s death. Between you and a solicitor.

Design right- can be used to automatically protect textile designs, 15 years after creation, 10 years after first sold

Patent- used for new innovative inventions, NOT aesthetic work. Difficult to obtain, lasts 20 years, is expensive.

Registered designs- shape appearance and decoration protected up to 25 years. Register with intellectual property office.

Trademark- recognisable and unique combination of words, sounds, colours, and symbols used to identify a brand. Can be registered for legal protection.