How long is a design patent valid?

In Canada, a design patent, known as a registered design, is valid for a maximum of ten years from the date of registration. This ten-year term can provide protection to the visual appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, or ornamentation. It is important to note that to maintain the validity of a registered design, it must be properly maintained and any required fees must be paid. Unlike other types of intellectual property, such as trademarks, which can potentially last indefinitely as long as they are in use and maintained, registered designs have a specific, fixed term. After the expiration of the ten years, the design enters the public domain and can be freely used by others. For those seeking specific information regarding registered designs or inquiries related to maintenance, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office provides resources that may be useful.