DirectOMPIC — Industrial designs: practical guide
Access to procedures relating to industrial designs through OMPIC platforms.
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- OMPIC
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- Business and investment
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- Self-employed entrepreneurs, SMEs
- Data verified
- 2026-07-24
Quick answer. DirectOMPIC can be used to file online applications concerning industrial designs and models. This form of protection concerns the appearance of a product—its lines, shape, configuration or presentation—not its technical principle, which may instead fall within patent protection.
When should a design be filed?
OMPIC recommends filing before public disclosure or commercial exploitation of the design so that the possibility of protection is preserved. Applications can be submitted online through DirectOMPIC or through the physical channels provided by the Office. Before filing, first make sure that the creation is really a design or model rather than a trademark or an invention.
What does the application contain?
The file includes the relevant D1 form, graphic or photographic reproductions of the design, a power of attorney when a representative acts for the applicant, and proof of payment. A short description may also be included. OMPIC indicates that a translation may be required for a document drafted in a language other than Arabic or French.
What happens after filing?
The application is examined and, when regular, published. OMPIC explains that after publication and in the absence of a justified observation during the applicable period, the design can be registered. The initial protection period is five years, with renewal possibilities under the published rules.
Publication and third-party observations
A regular application is published in the official industrial-design catalogue. The procedure provides a period during which third parties may submit observations. Under the conditions described by OMPIC, the applicant may also request postponement of publication. That option can matter when a design should not be revealed before a commercial launch.
Renewal and follow-up
Registration takes effect for an initial five-year period and can be renewed for successive periods within the legal limit. Keep the filing number, publication information and renewal dates. A right that has not been renewed does not provide the same protection as a registration maintained in force.
Before filing
- identify whether design protection is the correct intellectual-property route;
- search OMPIC databases for close designs;
- prepare clear and consistent reproductions;
- avoid premature public disclosure;
- keep the filing number and monitor notices from OMPIC.
DirectOMPIC in 2026
OMPIC announced a new version of DirectOMPIC in January 2026 covering, among other functions, industrial-design filing and renewal. Follow the current Office instructions for account access and available online operations rather than relying on an older tutorial.
Official sources checked on 8 September 2026
Key point: protect the appearance before disclosure and choose the intellectual-property title that matches the creation.