Which type of intellectual property protects unique design features?

Design registration specifically protects the visual appearance of products, including unique design features. This type of intellectual property grants the owner exclusive rights to the design, preventing others from making, using, or selling a product that incorporates the registered design without permission. This protection is crucial for designers and manufacturers as it helps safeguard their innovations and artistic expressions against unauthorized reproduction.

In contrast, patents are more focused on new inventions, processes, or functional features rather than the aesthetic aspects that design registration covers. Copyright primarily protects original works of authorship, such as literature, music, and art, which means it does not extend to the functional or ornamental designs of products. Trade secrets protect confidential business information that provides a competitive edge, but they do not apply specifically to the unique visual aspects of a design.