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Design

Design Registration

Design registration in India refers to the process of legally protecting the unique visual appearance or aesthetics of a product. It grants exclusive rights to the owner over the design, preventing others from reproducing or using it without permission. Here is some information about design registration in India:

  • Definition of Design: In India, a design refers to the features of shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation, or composition of lines or colors applied to any article, whether in two-dimensional or three-dimensional form. The design should be applied by any industrial process or means, manual, mechanical, or chemical, that can be reproduced on a product and appeals to the eye.
  • Protection Duration: The duration of design protection in India is ten years from the date of registration. It can be further extended for five years, totaling a maximum of fifteen years of protection.
  • Design Application: To register a design in India, an application should be filed with the Design Wing of the Intellectual Property Office. The application should include details such as the name and address of the applicant, representation of the design, class or classes to which the design pertains, and a statement of novelty.
  • Novelty and Originality: For a design to be eligible for registration, it should be new and original. It should not have been published or publicly disclosed in India or any other country prior to the filing date of the application.
  • Examination and Publication: After filing the design application, it undergoes examination to determine its registrability. If the application meets the requirements, it is published in the official Designs Journal, opening an opportunity for third-party opposition within a specific timeframe.
  • Registration and Certificate: If there are no objections or oppositions, the design is registered, and a registration certificate is issued to the applicant. The registration establishes the legal rights of the design owner.
  • Design Infringement: Once a design is registered, the owner has exclusive rights to use, sell, or license the design. In case of design infringement, the owner can take legal action against the infringing party and seek remedies, including injunctions, damages, and other relief.
  • International Design Registration: India is a member of the Hague Agreement concerning the international registration of industrial designs. This allows Indian applicants to seek design protection in multiple countries by filing a single international design application.


  • Detailed Process
  • Documents Required
  • Registration Process
  • FAQ

Drafting a design application is an important step in the process of registering a design in India. Here are some key points to consider when drafting a design application:

  • Applicant Details: Begin the application by providing the complete details of the applicant, including the name, address, and nationality. If the applicant is a company or organization, include the legal entity information.
  • Title of the Design: Give a concise and descriptive title to the design that accurately represents its visual appearance and purpose.
  • Representation of the Design: Include clear and accurate representations of the design. These can be drawings, photographs, or computer-generated images. Ensure that the representations clearly depict the unique features, shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation, or composition of lines or colors that constitute the design.
  • Description of the Design: Provide a brief written description of the design, highlighting its distinctive elements and characteristics. This description should complement the representations and help in understanding the unique aspects of the design.
  • Classification: Classify the design according to the Locarno Classification system, which categorizes designs into various classes based on their functionality or purpose. Select the appropriate class or classes to which the design belongs.
  • Statement of Novelty: Include a statement of novelty that asserts the uniqueness and originality of the design. Explain how the design is different from existing designs and how it possesses its own distinctiveness.
  • Prior Public Disclosure: Declare whether the design has been published, publicly displayed, or disclosed anywhere in India or abroad before the filing date of the application. If there has been any disclosure, provide the details of such disclosures.
  • Power of Attorney: If the application is being filed by an attorney or legal representative, attach a power of attorney document authorizing them to act on behalf of the applicant.
  • Signature: The application should be signed by the applicant or their authorized representative. In case of multiple applicants, each applicant should sign the application.
  • Supporting Documents: If there are any supporting documents or evidence that strengthen the uniqueness or distinctiveness of the design, such as prior artwork, market research, or expert opinions, include them as annexures to the application.

Once a design application is filed in India, it undergoes an examination process by the Design Wing of the Intellectual Property Office. Here are the key points to understand about the examination of a design application:

  • Formal Examination: The first step in the examination process is the formal examination of the application. The Design Wing reviews the application to ensure that it meets all the formal requirements and includes all the necessary documents and fees. If any deficiencies are found, the applicant may be given an opportunity to correct them within a specified time period.
  • Novelty and Originality: The design application is examined to determine its novelty and originality. The examiner will compare the design with existing designs available in public records, databases, and previous registrations to assess whether the design is new and distinctive. If the design is found to lack novelty or is similar to existing designs, objections may be raised.
  • Examination Report: If any discrepancies or objections are identified during the examination, the examiner will issue an Examination Report. The report outlines the objections raised, cites relevant prior designs, and provides an opportunity for the applicant to respond and provide clarifications or arguments.
  • Response to Examination Report: Upon receiving the Examination Report, the applicant must carefully review the objections raised and prepare a suitable response. The response should address each objection with appropriate arguments, evidence, or amendments to overcome the objections and establish the registrability of the design.
  • Amendments or Modifications: In some cases, the applicant may need to make amendments or modifications to the design application in response to the objections raised. These amendments should be made within the framework of the original disclosure and should not expand the scope of the design beyond what was originally filed.
  • Hearings: If the examiner maintains objections even after the applicant's response, a hearing may be requested. During the hearing, the applicant can present their arguments and provide additional evidence or explanations to support the registrability of the design.
  • Registration or Refusal: If the examiner is satisfied with the response and finds the design eligible for registration, the application proceeds to registration. A design registration certificate will be issued to the applicant. However, if the examiner is not convinced or if the objections are not adequately addressed, the application may be refused, and the applicant may be given an opportunity to further amend or argue their case.
  • Applicant Details: Complete information about the applicant(s) should be provided, including their name(s), address(es), and nationality/nationalities. If the applicant is a company or organization, the legal entity details should be provided.
  • Representation of the Design: Clear and accurate representations of the design are necessary. These can be drawings, photographs, or computer-generated images that depict the design from various angles and perspectives. The representations should effectively convey the unique visual features of the design.
  • Power of Attorney: If an attorney or authorized representative is filing the design application on behalf of the applicant, a Power of Attorney document is required. It grants the representative the authority to act on behalf of the applicant during the application process.
  • Declaration of Ownership: A declaration stating that the applicant is the true and first owner of the design is typically required. It confirms that the applicant has the legal right to seek protection for the design.
  • Priority Claim (if applicable): If the design application is claiming priority from an earlier application filed in a convention country, the priority document needs to be submitted. This document establishes the priority date of the design application.
  • Statement of Novelty: A statement declaring the novelty and originality of the design is required. It should explain how the design is distinct and different from existing designs in the public domain.
  • Form of Authorization: In case the design application is being filed by an agent or representative, a Form of Authorization signed by the applicant authorizing them to act on their behalf is necessary.
  • Application Fees: The prescribed fees for filing a design application need to be paid at the time of application submission. The fees may vary depending on factors such as the number of designs, the type of applicant, and any claim for priority.
  • Preliminary Search: Before filing a design application, conducting a preliminary search is recommended to check if similar or identical designs already exist. This step helps assess the novelty and uniqueness of the design and reduces the chances of objections during the examination process.
  • Preparation of Application: Gather all the necessary documents and information required for the design application, including applicant details, representation of the design, power of attorney (if applicable), declaration of ownership, priority documents (if claiming priority), and statement of novelty.
  • Filing the Application: Submit the design application to the Design Wing of the Indian Intellectual Property Office. Ensure that the application is complete, including all required documents and payment of the prescribed fees.
  • Formal Examination: The Design Wing conducts a formal examination to review the application for compliance with formal requirements. This includes verifying the completeness of the application and the adherence to procedural rules.
  • Examination Report: If any formal deficiencies are identified, the examiner issues an Examination Report detailing the objections or requirements for rectification. The applicant must respond to the report within the specified time period, addressing the objections raised.
  • Response to Examination Report: Prepare a response to the Examination Report, addressing each objection raised by the examiner. This may involve providing clarifications, amendments, or arguments to establish the registrability of the design.
  • Examination and Decision: After the applicant submits the response to the Examination Report, the examiner reviews the response and determines whether the design meets the requirements for registration. If the examiner is satisfied, the application proceeds to the next stage. However, if objections remain unresolved, a hearing may be requested.
  • Registration and Certificate: Once the design application is accepted, it moves to the registration stage. The applicant pays the registration fee, and the design is registered. A design registration certificate is issued, confirming the exclusive rights of the owner over the design.
  • Publication: The registered design is published in the official Designs Journal by the Design Wing. The publication serves as public notice of the design's registration and allows interested parties to oppose the registration within a specific timeframe.
  • Opposition and Grant: If no opposition is filed within the opposition period or if opposition proceedings are resolved in favor of the applicant, the design is granted full protection. The registration is valid for ten years from the date of filing, with an option to renew for an additional five years.

It's important to note that the timeline and specific requirements may vary depending on the circumstances of each application.

In India, designs that relate to the features of shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation, or composition of lines or colors applied to any article can be registered. These designs should be applied by an industrial process and should be visually appealing.

The initial duration of design registration in India is ten years from the date of filing the application. It can be further extended for a maximum of five years, totaling a maximum protection period of fifteen years.

The timeline for design registration in India varies. Generally, it takes around six to nine months for the application to be examined and processed. However, the actual duration may vary depending on the workload of the Design Wing and any objections or oppositions that may arise.

Yes, you can use the design during the registration process. However, it is advisable to exercise caution and take necessary steps to protect your design before registration to avoid any potential infringement issues.

Yes, if you have filed a design application in a convention country, you can claim priority within six months of that filing date. This allows you to establish an earlier priority date for your design application in India.

Yes, India is a member of the Hague Agreement concerning the international registration of industrial designs. As an applicant from India, you can file an international design application through the Hague System to seek design protection in multiple member countries.

No, once the design application is filed, you cannot make substantial modifications or amendments to the design. Any changes made should be within the scope of the original filing and should not alter the overall appearance or features of the design.

If someone infringes your registered design, you have the right to take legal action against them. You can seek remedies such as injunctions, damages, and other relief through the appropriate legal channels to enforce your exclusive rights.

Yes, you can renew your design registration for an additional five years by filing a renewal application and paying the prescribed renewal fees. The renewal application should be filed within the prescribed timeframe before the expiry of the initial ten-year protection period.

Any person, whether an individual, partnership firm, company, or legal entity, claiming to be the owner of the design can apply for design registration in India.

It is advisable to refrain from disclosing your design before filing for registration. Publicly disclosing the design may affect its novelty and may pose challenges during the examination process. It is recommended to file the design application before any public disclosure.

While conducting a prior art search is not mandatory, it is recommended to perform a preliminary search to assess the novelty and uniqueness of your design. This search helps identify similar or identical designs already in the public domain, reducing the risk of objections during the examination process.

Yes, you can include multiple designs in a single application if they belong to the same class of the International Classification of Industrial Designs. However, separate fees are applicable for each design included in the application.

No, modifications to the registered design are not permitted. If you wish to protect a modified design, a new application should be filed for the modified version.

Yes, you can license or assign your registered design to another person or entity. Licensing allows others to use your design under specified conditions, while assignment transfers the ownership rights to another party.

In India, design registration is possible for designs that have been previously published or exhibited. However, it is crucial to file the application within the stipulated time to maintain the novelty of the design.

While it is not mandatory to display the design registration symbol, using it can serve as notice to others that the design is protected and may deter potential infringement.

No, designs that are purely functional or technical in nature are not eligible for registration. Design protection is primarily granted to the aesthetic or ornamental aspects of a product.

If you fail to renew your design registration within the prescribed timeframe, a grace period of six months is provided for late renewal, subject to the payment of additional fees. If the renewal is not made within this grace period, the design registration will lapse, and you will lose the protection for your design.

No, in India, priority can only be claimed based on an earlier application filed in a convention country that is a member of the Paris Convention or the World Trade Organization.

No, design registration in India is specifically for the visual appearance or aesthetics of a product. Designs related to services or software are not eligible for registration. However, you may explore other forms of intellectual property protection, such as copyright or patent, depending on the nature of your work.

Yes, if the functional article or part of a product has unique visual features or ornamental aspects, it may be eligible for design registration. However, it is important to ensure that the design is not solely dictated by its function and has distinctive visual characteristics.

Yes, 3D shapes and packaging designs are eligible for design registration in India, provided they meet the requirements of being novel, original, and visually distinctive.

Yes, color can be included in the representations of your design application to demonstrate the specific color scheme or pattern applied to the design. It helps in accurately depicting the visual appearance of the design.

No, logo or brand name designs are not eligible for design registration. Trademark registration is the appropriate form of protection for logos or brand names.

Yes, you can still apply for design registration within six months from the date of first disclosure, as long as the design has not been published or disclosed to the public for more than six months.

Yes, you have the option to withdraw your design application after filing, but it is recommended to consult with a qualified intellectual property attorney before making such a decision, as it may have implications on future filings or the protection of your design.

India is a member of the Hague Agreement, which allows for international design registration through a single application. By filing an international design application under the Hague System, you can seek design protection in multiple member countries.

Yes, you have the right to appeal a decision of refusal or opposition against your design registration. The appeal process involves submitting appropriate legal arguments and evidence to support your case before the designated authority.