The Related Design System in Japan allows applicants to protect multiple designs that are similar to a principal design within one design family. A related design can be filed together with the principal design or later, even after a double-patenting rejection. Each related design is registered independently, so the cancellation of one does not affect the others. This system provides flexible, comprehensive, and independent protection for variations of a product’s design, strengthening overall design portfolios.

For more details, please refer to the following page: Related Design System | ONDA TECHNO Intl.

Yes. A related design must be filed within ten years from the filing date of the principal design.