When a design application is filed, no details are publicly disclosed unless the applicant specifically requests otherwise. Unlike patent applications, which are published in full after a fixed period to prevent redundant research and investment, the details of design applications are disclosed via publication in the
Design Gazette at the time of registration. Parties may further postpone such disclosure using the secret design system.
Secret design system
Unlike technical innovations, which are typically protected by patents, designs are relatively easy to imitate and steal and are also subject to fast-moving trends. Therefore, parties may wish to keep a design confidential even after its registration (eg, until they have commercialised the product).