Name and describe a method of protecting (a) an invention and (b) a new product that is similar in function to an existing design but differs in shape.

Patent - Gives exclusive right to make, use or sell a new invention for a set period of 20 years. It allows the designer to take legal action, but it must be shared in detail in the public domain. It must meet 4 key requirements: (1) Be new and not discussed in public before, (2) involve an inventive step which is not obvious, (3) must be a physical object and be industrially practical, and (4) must not be on the Patent Office’s exclusion list.
Registered design - Usually presented as a series of monochrome CAD images in 2D and 3D showing the shape. Community registered design is a way of protecting the shape of the design all over Europe and now covers surface decoration as well. The UK spent a lot of effort harmonizing its system with the EU but now the future of this isn’t certain given Brexit negotiations.