Question:
Our client is interested in obtaining registered design protection in China for the aesthetic aspects of a graphical user interface or website design. Could such an interface be protected by a registered design?
Answer:
Under Chinese patent practice, patterns displayed when a product is powered on, such as the display of a digital watch, the screen of a mobile phone or a software interface, are excluded from design patent protection. Graphical user interfaces and website designs fall within this category.
Accordingly, graphical user interfaces cannot obtain registered design protection in China.