Introduction
Green innovation
Industrial designs in Mexico
Green design
Comment
World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on 26 April each year. The day commemorates the role of this branch of law in promoting human creations to generate a better future. Intellectual property covers both artistic and industrial creations, which are inherent to the development of the intellect. For this reason, such creations are susceptible to protection and property. Among the most popular IP systems are copyright, trademarks, patents and industrial designs.
In 2022, the World Intellectual Property Organization designated "IP and Youth: Innovating for a Better Future" as the central theme for the World Intellectual Property Day campaign. This theme is in line with recent efforts to innovate towards a greener future.
Green innovation is essential for the younger generations, since it has a direct influence on the effects that global warming will have in the coming years. An evolution in the global economic model is necessary to focus on production and distribution systems that respect the environment and reduce the impact of climate change.
Green energy technologies can be divided into two main categories:
- the production of alternative energy; and
- the efficient use and consumption of energy (eg, more efficient light bulbs or aerodynamic panels that reduce friction in trains).
Industrial designs are one of the most popular types of intellectual property among the younger generations in Mexico. Industrial designs in Mexico are divided into:
- industrial drawings; and
- models.
Industrial drawings
Industrial drawings are any combination of figures, lines or colours that are incorporated into an industrial or artisanal product for the purpose of ornamentation and that give it a particular and unique appearance – that is, 2D designs.
Industrial models
Industrial models comprise any 3D shape that serves as a pattern for the manufacture of an industrial or artisanal product, which gives it a special appearance.
Scope of protection
In Mexico, protection is granted to innovative designs that are susceptible to industrial application. Such protection lasts for five years, a period that is renewable for up to 25 years. However, protection can also be claimed internationally. As the scope of protection differs significantly from country to country, it is advisable to consult an expert.
Combining the two concepts of green innovation and design results in the concept of "eco-design" or "green design". This can be understood as the design of products that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life. To achieve such a reduced environmental impact, it is possible to innovate with regard to three general aspects of design: materials, waste and energy.
Industrial designs may be used to protect green design in the context of these three areas – namely:
- materials:
- minimising the number of different materials in the product to simplify manufacturing and bonding elements;
- increasing the efficiency of materials, making them durable and environmentally friendly; and
- designing for the efficiency of the packaging of products from their manufacture to consumption;
- waste:
- ensuring that the useful life of the product is the most appropriate from an environmental perspective and that the product works efficiently for as long as possible;
- minimising any long-term damage to the environment caused by waste; and
- using recyclable or recycled materials; and
- energy:
- improving energy efficiency during the manufacture and transport of products.
The use of industrial designs and other IP systems to improve sustainability and achieve a circular economy can facilitate the social objective of conserving natural resources and curbing climate change. It also makes it possible to innovate and design towards economically attractive and accessible options for new generations.
For further information on this topic please contact Octavio Espejo at Becerril, Coca & Becerril SC by telephone (+52 55 5263 8730) or email ([email protected]). The Becerril, Coca & Becerril website can be accessed at www.bcb.com.mx.