A design is not considered to be the same thing as an invention. The 'design' of a product refers to its overall appearance, including such things as its shape, pattern and ornamentation which together give it a unique visual look. A design cannot be patented under the Patents Act 1990 (Cth). But there is legislation called the Designs Act 1906 (Cth) which provides for the registration of a new and distinctive industrial design that is applicable to the ornamentation, pattern, shape, or configuration of an article. A registered design gives the owner the copyright in that design, and they enjoy the exclusive right to apply the design to the articles in respect of which it is registered.
The registered owner of a copyrighted design can bring an action for an injunction or damages against any other person who applies the design or any fraudulent or obvious imitation of it to any article in respect of which the design is registered.
As the author of a new and original design, Albert is entitled to register his design.