Taiwan design patent guidefor product companies
A Taiwan design patent protects the visual appearance of a product — its shape, pattern, color or a combination — rather than how it works. Foreign applicants file directly at TIPO (Taiwan is not a PCT member) and may claim Paris Convention priority within 6 months of the first design filing. Drawings define the protected appearance, so the views must be prepared carefully. A design patent is well suited to consumer products, hardware, medical devices and electronics, and works alongside invention patents and trademarks as part of a layered protection strategy. The term is 15 years from filing.
What a Taiwan design patent protects
A Taiwan design patent protects the visual appearance of an article: shape, pattern, color or their combination. It does not protect the product's technical function; that belongs in invention or utility-model strategy.
Filing route and priority
Foreign applicants file a Taiwan design patent directly with TIPO. Because Taiwan is not a PCT member, a PCT route is not available. Paris Convention priority may be claimed within 6 months from the first design filing.
Drawings define your scope
- Prepare complete views that clearly show the protected appearance.
- Use solid and broken lines carefully where partial design protection is intended.
- Keep drawings consistent across views to avoid uncertainty.
- Coordinate design drawings with product launch materials and foreign filings.
Timeline, term and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Priority window | 6 months |
| Examination | Substantive |
| Term | 15 years from filing |
Design + invention + trademark — layered protection
A design patent can protect a product look while an invention patent protects technical function and a trademark protects the brand identifier. Product companies often need more than one right to cover the commercial asset fully.
Common pitfalls
- Publicly disclosing a design before filing and losing novelty.
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent views.
- Missing the 6-month priority window.
- Relying on a single IP right when a layered strategy is needed.
How WISECODE files your design patent
- Design filing route and priority assessment
- Drawing review for scope and consistency
- Direct filing with TIPO
- Coordination with invention patent and trademark strategy
- Office-action handling and portfolio maintenance
Official references
Frequently asked questions
What does a Taiwan design patent cover?
The visual appearance of a product — shape, pattern, color or a combination — not its function.
Can I use a PCT application for a design in Taiwan?
No. File directly at TIPO; you may claim Paris priority within 6 months.
How long does protection last?
15 years from the filing date.
Should I also file an invention patent or trademark?
Often yes — design, invention and trademark rights protect different things and work best layered.
Assess a Taiwan design patent filing
Send us product drawings or images and we will assess filing route, priority and layered protection options.
Helpful to include:
- Product images or CAD drawings
- First public disclosure or launch date
- Target markets
- Any overseas design filings
Last updated: June 2026