Which of the following is protected by design rights?

Design rights protect the visual design of objects and the aesthetic features that can be viewed through their shapes, patterns, and configurations. These rights aim to safeguard the unique appearance of a product rather than its functional aspects.

Desk chairs and similar objects are ideal candidates for design rights protection because they have distinct shapes or patterns that contribute to their design identity. The unique features of these products can significantly influence consumer choices and brand recognition. Therefore, design rights ensure that creators can protect their innovative designs from unauthorized use or imitation by competitors.

In contrast, literary manuscripts, computer software, and pictorial art fall under different intellectual property protections. For example, literary manuscripts are protected by copyright, which covers written works and their expression. Computer software can be the subject of copyright as well, focusing on the code and its structure. Pictorial art also receives copyright protection, safeguarding the artistic expression and creativity involved. However, these forms do not typically receive protection through design rights, reinforcing the applicability of design rights specifically for products like desk chairs that can be visually distinguished in the marketplace.