South Africa, Dec. 9 -- There is significant commercial opportunity in sports merchandise and there have been many versions of a Springboks supporters' jersey entering the market in the last decade or so. There are many factors which can contribute to the commercial success of a product, but the most important factors in obtaining and retaining a competitive edge include securing intellectual property rights.

The role of registered designs in protecting apparel

When considering apparel, one may immediately think of trade mark and copyright protection - and often stop there. However, another valuable - but frequently overlooked - form of intellectual property is the registered design right (also known as an industrial design right).

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