A registered design right (also called “design patent”) protects the outer shape of a product, whereas an invention patent protects a technical innovation or idea, and a trademark protects a company, product, or service's name or logo. Designs are typically used to protect products or product parts that comprise creative or artistic elements. This implies that products whose shape and design only derives from their function (screws, for example) cannot be subject to design protection.

In Abu Dhabi, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ornamental or decorative creation, giving a specific design that may be utilised as an industrial or handcraft product, can be registered as an industrial design. In the UAE, industrial design law is regulated by the Federal Law No. 11 of 2021 on the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property Rights.

An industrial design needs to be:

• Unique, at least in the field you are going to use it in.

• Aesthetic and not a purely technical feature.

• Clearly belonging to a product.

• A two- or three-dimensional feature that differentiates your product from others.

Key elements are the product drawings from different angles and perspectives.

In a competitive market, a product's unique appearance can give companies an edge as consumers often make a purchase decision based on looks. Industrial design protection safeguards this uniqueness, allowing companies to stand out by preventing any third party from making, offering, selling, importing, exporting, or using a product in which the design is incorporated or to which it is applied without the design owner’s consent. Additionally, if a company can't directly profit from a design, they can sell it to third parties to capitalise on their design expertise.