Taiwan design law reforms

Thanks to Tsai, Lee & Chen for news that Taiwan (aka Republic of China/Chinese Taipei according to your political viewpoint) has updated its design registration system by passing an amendment to the Taiwan Patent Act on November 29, 2011, to be implemented over 2012.  Their informative article is here.  My summary of the major points is as follows:

1. GUI/icon designs should be registrable, unlike the present situation.  Future rules this year will indicate the conditions under which they are registrable.
2. "Partial designs", i.e. designs of parts of products, should in future be registrable, as in Europe or Japan.  TLC have some advice on how to handle the transitional situation.
3. There will be a six month grace period over any printed publication by the designer - much broader than at present.

This all sounds very helpful for designers. We'll try to update you when it comes into force.