6.13. Pairs and mirror images

When representations show a "pair" of things this increases the risk that the representations include inconsistent visual features and identify further designs.

Product name changes may also be necessary where product names reference "pairs". Even where the representations are clarified as showing a common design or a mirror image, the product name for a design should generally not reference the product itself as being a "pair" or collective product description.

However, it should be noted that there may be a common design present in some applications that concern pairs. This will depend on the particular circumstances of the application.

Example (Design 201011964)

Product name: A right or left handed sock

Representations:

The above representation shows a pair of socks. Included however are two designs, the shape and configuration of one sock including the word ’left’ as a visual feature, and the other with the word ‘right’. ​​​​​​

Example (Design 202011415)

Product name: Earphones

Representations:

This example shows what is considered to be a mirror image of an earphone. A mirror image being something that looks exactly the same as another thing but with its left and right sides in opposite directions. Whilst the representation shows the earphone in different positions, namely, to reflect the left and right ear, there is no inconsistency in visual features. A single design is shown.