Over the course of his extensive career, Fabian Zimmerli has designed a large number of consumer goods. As an experienced industrial designer, he’s aware of the importance of design protection.
Fabian Zimmerli with an earlier generation diffuser. Photo: Copyright IGE
One morning in a communal office in Zurich, Fabian Zimmerli sits focused on two monitors. He’s using a CAD program to develop the next big thing. On his desk are several prototypes that he made with a 3D printer. The industrial designer, whose father created the legendary SIGG bottle, designs household appliances, such as toasters, kettles, humidifiers, raclette grills and juicers. He’s also left his mark on the world of medical technology.
“During my childhood, I created all kinds of things,” says the designer. He had a chemistry set in his bedroom for small experiments, and his self-built canoe passed the test in a river. Young Fabian Zimmerli quickly realised what he wanted to be: an inventor. “After high school, I was interested in studying engineering at ETH, but I found it too theoretical and academic,” recalls Fabian.
The first order
Eventually, he found his calling in product design. “I was immediately fascinated by the creative element. You delve into a design and come up with new solutions,” says Fabian Zimmerli. For his first order, he designed the ‘Müllex Boxx’ waste bin system with two fellow students. “It was a great job that involved interesting research. For example, we closely studied how people dealt with waste and incorporated the findings into the design.”
The designer also develops prototypes in his studio. Copyright: IGE
Good design combines aesthetics and functionality
According to Fabian Zimmerli, a good product design should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but should also be functional, create emotional connections and represent the brand. “If the customer is satisfied and can use the product instinctively, then I’ve done a good job,” he emphasises. He also underlines the importance of constructive criticism and collaboration for achieving the best possible outcome. This works if the client is a good sparring partner. “Thanks to constructive criticism, we end up with a better product. It’s not very helpful if I create my designs all on my own,” says Fabian.
This diffuser by Fabian Zimmerli was honoured with the German Design Award. The design of the object is protected. Copyright: IPI
Design award for magic flame
Fabian’s design of the ‘Aroma Diffuser’, a product manufactured by the Swiss company Stadler Form, is protected. He was introduced to design protection by his father and also learned about it later in his training. “Design protection is important. I’ve already had some of my creations protected,” explains Fabian. These days, it’s usually his clients that apply for design protection. “An entry in the register is considered an official document.”
In the design protection application, the object is shown in various positions. Due to the colourless illustrations, the design is protected in all colours. Copyright: WIPO Design Database
Design protection utilised
Fabian’s design of the ‘Aroma Diffuser’, a product manufactured by the Swiss company Stadler Form, is protected. The industrial designer became aware of design protection at an early age – thanks to his father and also later as part of his training. “Design protection is important. I’ve already protected several creations,” says Fabian Zimmerli. Today, with commissioned work, it’s usually the client that files the design for protection. “The entry in the register is equivalent to an official document,” says Fabian.
His experience has shown that it’s helpful to put products on the market quickly. “Once your brand has a certain status, it’s no longer so easy for your competitors to just copy you. Then it’s clear to everyone where the ideas come from.”
Die Stadler Form Aktiengesellschaft in Zug ist eine der Auftraggeberinnen von Industriedesigner Fabian Zimmerli. Das Unternehmen entwickelt seit 25 Jahren Haushaltgeräte für das Raumklima. «Wir schützen bereits in der Projektphase jedes Design – auch wenn die eine oder andere Kreation am Ende nicht auf den Markt kommen wird», sagt Martin Stadler, Gründer und CEO des Unternehmens. Damit will man Dritten zuvorkommen, die unter Umständen ähnliche Designs schützen wollen.
«Wir haben unseren Designschutz bereits mehrmals in der Schweiz durchgesetzt», sagt Martin Stadler. Auch in Europa und «ein paar Mal» in China, wo das Unternehmen die Produkte herstellen lässt, sei man tätig geworden. Hat das Unternehmen Kenntnis von einer Kopie, kommt ein Anwalt ins Spiel. In einem Schreiben weist er das betroffene Unternehmen auf die Nähe zum Design des Stadler Form-Produkts hin. «Wir konnten uns bisher immer aussergerichtlich einigen», sagt der erfahrene Unternehmer.
Dass man trotz allem die Kopierer nie ganz abschüttelt, entmutigt Martin Stadler nicht: «Es ist eine einfache Formel: Sobald du Erfolg hast, wirst du kopiert», sagt der Unternehmer. So gesehen sei es auch eine Bestätigung, wenn auch eine unerwünschte. Denn für den CEO ist genauso klar: «Wir bleiben dran, wenn es um die Verteidigung unseres Designs geht».
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