Article 13 - Grounds for non-registrability

1.   A design shall be refused registration where:

(a) the design is not a design within the meaning of Article 2, point (3);

(b) the design is contrary to public policy or to accepted principles of morality, as provided for in Article 8; or

(c) the design constitutes an improper use of any of the items listed in Article 6ter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, unless the consent of the competent authorities to the registration has been given.

2.   Member States may provide that a design is to be refused registration where the design constitutes an improper use of badges, emblems and escutcheons other than those covered by Article 6ter of the Paris Convention and which are of a particular public interest in the Member State concerned, unless the consent of the competent authority to its registration has been given in conformity with the law of the Member State.

3.   Member States may provide that a design is to be refused registration where it contains a total or partial reproduction of elements belonging to cultural heritage that are of national interest.