GUI外观设计保护规则的比较法研究

A Comparative Study on the Protection of Graphical User Interface(GUI)Design

图形用户界面(GUI)外观设计的保护规则在全球范围内缺乏统一标准,导致司法实践中存在较大的自由裁量权。本研究基于我国《专利法》及相关法律法规,并通过分析“金山诉萌家案”等典型案件,揭示了GUI外观设计保护在立法与实践之间的不协调性,并指出现有法律对GUI保护的限制。通过比较法分析,欧盟、日本和韩国等地区已逐步放宽GUI与产品联系的注册要求,甚至允许GUI作为独立设计受到保护。鉴于此,我国《专利法》应增加对“GUI”元素的定义,并对GUI的侵权行为认定做相应的调整,以更好地适应GUI设计的保护需求,促进行业的创新和发展。

There is a lack of uniform standards for the protection of graphical user interface(GUI)designs worldwide,which has led to a large degree of discretion in judicial practice.Based on China’s Patent Law and related laws and regulations,and by analysing typical cases such as Jingshan v.Mengjia,this study reveals the inconsistency between the law and practice of GUI design protection,and points out the limitations of existing GUI protection laws.Through comparative law analysis,the European Union,Japan and South Korea have gradually relaxed the registration requirements for GUIs in connection with products,and even allowed GUIs to be protected as independent designs.In view of this,China’s Patent Law should add the definition of“GUI”elements and make corresponding adjustments to the determination of GUI infringement,so as to better meet the protection needs of GUI design and promote the innovation and development of the industry.