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A trademark is a mark used by a business entity for use of services and/or products. A mark can be any kind of symbol, including letters only.

The registration of a trademark guarantees its owner unique right of use

In Israel it's not possible to register a mark which falls into generic word, as well as descriptive words. You also cannot register a trademark that is too similar to a preexisting one. A preliminary search can be performed independently in the database of trademarks in Israel at the link: http://www.trademarks.justice.gov.il

The registration process in Israel takes around 6-8 months, however, it is possible to request an expedited exam.

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention

The registration of a patent guarantees its owner unique right of use that otherwise won't be protected

Patents are territorially limited. But you still have a few options to protect your invention in multiple countries: 1. Direct or Paris route: you can directly file separate patent applications at the same time in all of the countries in which you would like to protect your invention or, having filed in a Paris Convention country, then file separate patent applications in other Paris Convention countries within 12 months from the filing date of that first patent application, giving you the benefit in all those countries of claiming the filing date of the first application 2. PCT route: you can file an application under the PCT, directly or within the 12-month period provided for by the Paris Convention from the filing date of a first application, which has legal effect in all Contracting States of the PCT.

A design, as defined by law is the appearance of a product or part of it, consisting of one or more visual characteristic. A product can be any object: an article of clothing , accessories, a fancy dish, technology- you name it.

It is not mandatory to register a design to receive protection. An unregistered design protects others from copying or commercially using the design. However, this protection is only granted for three years.

Registering your design protects the visual characteristics of the products, not the function of the product (that can be done through patent protection). Once a design is registered, the design owner is granted the exclusive right to manufacture, import, sell or rent his design. In addition, Registration of a design could be used in claims against violators.

To register a design you must prove: Your design is not solely functional and includes a visual characteristic. Your design is new with unique character. For this purpose, it is recommended to do some research to ensure your design meets the above requirements.

A design application can be filed independently or through designated lawyer to the Israeli Patent office.

A design protection application must be filed to the Israeli Patent office with the following attachments: Name of design owner, address for document delivery, name of design/product nickname, classification of the application based on the product designation, visual description, presentation of the design from different points of view accompanied by a description and image of the design for each angle, and fee.

If granted, design protection is valid for up to 25 years.