Renew a UK registered design for factory reorders
Renew your UK registered design every 5 years, up to a maximum of 25 years. Keep its renewal date alongside your reorder records. If you miss it, check the late renewal or restoration route immediately. Keep factory instructions and renewal evidence together when working with Cambridge China Bridge.
Put the renewal date in your reorder file
IPO guidance requires renewal on the fifth anniversary, then every 5 years up to a maximum of 25 years. Record the renewal date separately from your next factory order date.
Keep the registration number, registered images, proprietor details and renewal correspondence beside the approved product specification. Assign responsibility for checking the date. For the earlier application stage, use registering a UK design before sampling.
Renew before the deadline becomes a production problem
The renewal window opens 6 months before the due date. IPO guidance allows renewal within one month afterwards without late payment fees. Aim to complete renewal before the due date rather than use that extra time as your routine.
You can renew online or send the design registration renewal form by post. Keep confirmation in the product file. Before authorising a reorder, ask whoever manages renewals to confirm that the renewal task is complete.
Use late renewal while that route is available
Late renewal remains available up to 6 months after the renewal date. Late payment fees apply outside the ordinary payment window. Check the exact due date immediately rather than waiting for the next purchase order.
Record the missed deadline, the person handling renewal and the evidence still needed. If copying or a dispute has arisen during the gap, ask a UK design adviser to assess your position before making protection claims to the factory.
After late renewal, apply for restoration
If you miss the 6 month late renewal deadline, IPO guidance gives a further 6 months to apply for restoration. Post the restoration application with a written explanation of why you did not renew on time.
Restoration needs IPO acceptance of your explanation. If accepted, send the renewal form and payment as instructed; keep the resulting confirmation. Collect reminder records, correspondence and a dated account of what went wrong while preparing the application.
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Keep reorder instructions tied to the right design
Ask the factory to identify the drawing, sample and tooling used for the reorder. Compare these with your registration images and flag any changed shape or decoration for specialist review. Use managing design revisions to keep approvals traceable.
Keep factory access, permitted use of drawings and tooling arrangements in the sourcing brief. Our guide to protecting your IP and tooling covers that broader work. Give Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China the approved production version and a clear list of changes requiring your approval.
Frequently asked questions
How often must I renew a UK registered design?
On its fifth anniversary, then every 5 years, up to a maximum of 25 years. Put the renewal date in your product file and assign someone to manage it.
Can I renew my registered design late?
Yes, up to 6 months after the renewal date. Late payment fees apply outside the ordinary payment window. Check the due date and act immediately.
Can I restore a design after missing late renewal?
IPO guidance gives a further 6 months after the late renewal deadline to apply. Send the restoration application and a written explanation. Acceptance is needed before completing renewal.
What should I check before a factory reorder?
Check the renewal record, approved drawing, sample and tooling reference. Flag appearance changes for review and keep the renewal confirmation with the production instructions.