The DRAFT of the ESTONIAN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN LAW has been prepared by the ESTONIAN PATENT OFFICE in cooperation with the MINISTRY OF ECONOMY and with several international authorities. It has been passed on to the Government of Estonia.

The draft will be submitted to the Parliament most probably in April 1997. The enforcement of the Law is expected this year.

Under the Draft Law, an industrial design must be new, distinguishable and applicable in the manufacturing of industrial products or products of handicraft.

The registration of an industrial design will be valid for 5 years and it may be extended for the two following five-year periods.

More detailed comments on the Draft Law written by the experts will follow soon.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.