Introduction
Design Registration in India provides legal protection to unique and original industrial designs that are applied to articles of manufacture. Governed by the Designs Act, 2000, this form of intellectual property rights safeguards features like shape, configuration, patterns, lines, or colors that are applied to a product by an industrial process.
Design registration is especially important in manufacturing, packaging, and consumer product industries where appearance plays a critical role in brand identity and market success.
Advantages of Design Registration
1. Establishes a Public Record
A registered design becomes a part of the official public database, proving clear ownership.
2. Legal Protection
Grants the exclusive right to use the design and take legal action against infringers.
3. Creation of Goodwill
Registered designs contribute to a product’s aesthetic value, building brand image and consumer trust.
4. Right to Sue Infringers
Owners have the legal authority to sue in court for any infringement or unauthorized use.
5. Boosts Marketing Efforts
The uniqueness of a design plays a big role in consumer attraction, packaging, and market visibility.
Eligible Categories for Design Registration
To be eligible for registration, a design must:
- Be new and original
- Not be a mere mechanical device
- Be appealing to the eye
- Not be opposed to public morality or order
- Not be previously published
- Not fall under trademark, copyright, or patent protections
Who Can Apply for Design Registration?
- Individual creators
- Companies or firms developing new product designs
- Authorized agents or consultants acting on behalf of clients
- The applicant must own the design and it should not have been previously disclosed anywhere globally.
Documents Required for Design Registration:
- Full name and address of the applicant
- Certified copy of Power of Attorney (if filed via agent)
- Affidavit declaring originality and truthfulness of the submission
- Priority proof in case of any previous design filings in other countries
- Images or line drawings of the article
- Description of the novelty claimed in the design
- Class and sub-class under Locarno Classification
Information Required for Design Registration
- Applicant’s name, nationality, and legal status
- Description and name of the article
- Statement of novelty
- Class/category under which the design falls
- Details of the person signing the application
- In case of a legal entity, incorporation certificate
Step-by-Step Process of Design Registration in India:
1. Application Filing
Submit the design registration application with all required information including article images, description, novelty claim, and classification under Locarno system.
2. Examination by Design Office
The Design Office reviews the application for objections. If any are raised, a notice is issued to the applicant to respond.
3. Acceptance & Registration
Upon satisfactory clearance, the design is formally accepted and registered. A Certificate of Registration is issued.
4. Publication
The registered design is published in the Patent Office Journal, which gives it official recognition.
Validity of Design Registration
- Initial validity: 10 years
- Can be renewed once for another 5 years
- Renewal requires filing an application along with prescribed government fees
Why You Should Register Your Design?
- Prevents imitation or copying of your product design
- Ensures exclusive commercial rights
- Converts your design into an intellectual property asset
- Increases market value and brand distinctiveness
- Adds value in case of licensing, franchising, or selling the design
Final Words
Design registration not only protects creativity but also empowers businesses to maintain a competitive edge in design-centric industries. Whether it’s fashion, packaging, electronics, or product design, securing your unique creation with a valid registration ensures legal protection, commercial value, and market credibility.
Our experts assist you with complete support—from documentation to successful registration—making the process smooth and compliant.