This comes into force automatically in the UK and does not need to be registered: it is yours from day one free of charge. It protects the shape of a product or a part of a product, but does not protect surface decoration on articles or two dimensional designs (like wallpaper). In addition it does not always protect the shape of spare parts which by law ‘must match’ or ‘must fit’ the rest of the product.
UK unregistered design right can last for up to 15 years. A similar right, which does cover surface decoration, is granted in the European Union, but only lasts for three years.
Like copyright, an Unregistered Design Right only protects against actual copying. It will not enable you to prevent someone making something similar. Again, expert advice sooner rather than later can make all the difference.