Design registration of electronic graphics

In 2026 the Registrar issued a designs practice notice referring to computer-based graphical symbols, icons, graphical user interfaces, web pages and animated designs. The Registrar made it clear that computer programs are specifically excluded from protection but this does not mean that the physical appearance and layout of certain forms of digital media content (as displayed on a monitor) cannot be protected as registered designs.

In an application for registration, the representations for an electronic media design can be in the form of screenshots or line drawings showing the configuration of the graphic elements as seen on the monitor display. However, the Registrar also emphasises that registering these visual characteristics will not protect any aspect of the functionality of the underlying program.

Thus, the Registrar does consider electronic media designs, including graphical user interfaces, to fall within the definition of a Design. The overall impression must be ascertained clearly, easily and unambiguously and this overall impression.

Foe animated Designs, a sequence of static images may be submitted. For complex interfaces, individual components of the interface may be registered separately.