What is Design Registration?

Design Registration is the legal process of protecting the visual features of a product—such as its shape, pattern, ornamentation, or configuration—under the Designs Act, 2000 in India. It applies to all types of manufactured or industrial products whose aesthetics offer commercial value and brand distinctiveness.

By registering your design, you gain exclusive rights to use and commercialize the design, preventing others from producing or selling products with a deceptively similar appearance. Whether you’re launching a new consumer product, packaging, or industrial model, design registration ensures your innovation is protected from plagiarism.

✅ Benefits of Design Registration
🎯 Why you should protect your product aesthetics.

1️⃣ Prevents competitors from copying or imitating your product design
2️⃣ Grants exclusive legal ownership of your design for up to 15 years
3️⃣ Enhances brand identity through distinctive product appearance
4️⃣ Increases the commercial value of your product or invention
5️⃣ Adds an intellectual property asset to your business portfolio
6️⃣ Encourages creativity and product innovation
7️⃣ Enables you to take legal action against infringers

📑 Documents Required for Design Registration
📂 Important paperwork needed to protect your product design.

1️⃣ 🖼️ Images or Drawings of the Design – Front, top, side, and perspective views
2️⃣ 📝 Statement of Novelty – Description of what makes the design unique
3️⃣ 📄 Power of Attorney – If filing is done through an agent or consultant
4️⃣ 🏢 Applicant’s Details – Name, address, nationality, and business nature
5️⃣ 🧾 Proof of Ownership – Declaration by creator or assignee
6️⃣ 🔢 Class of Article – As per the Locarno Classification system

👤 Eligibility for Design Registration
🧾 Who can apply?

• Individuals, startups, MSMEs, or companies who own an original design

• Design creators or assignees with proof of novelty

• Any industry—consumer goods, packaging, machinery, fashion, electronics, etc.

• The design must be new, original, and not published in any country before

🔄 Process of Getting a Design Registered
🔁 Step-by-step guide to securing your design legally.

1️⃣ Design Analysis – Verify originality and eligibility
2️⃣ Documentation & Classification – Prepare visuals and identify Locarno Class
3️⃣ Drafting Application – Write statement of novelty and technical description
4️⃣ Filing with the Patent Office – Submit application with required forms and fees
5️⃣ Examination & Scrutiny – Registrar reviews for uniqueness and compliance
6️⃣ Design Registration Certificate Issued – Upon approval, valid for 10 years

⏱️ Timeline for Design Registration
⏳ Time taken and influencing factors.

• Filing preparation: 2–4 working days

• Government processing & examination: 1–2 months

• Certificate issuance: Upon successful approval

• Extension possible after 10 years for an additional 5 years

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Design Registration

1️⃣ What is protected under Design Registration?
Only the aesthetic aspects—shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation—are protected, not the function.

2️⃣ How long is the registration valid?
It’s valid for 10 years and can be extended for another 5 years.

3️⃣ Can I register a design already available in another country?
No, the design must be new and not disclosed anywhere globally.

4️⃣ What is the Locarno Classification?
It’s an international classification system used to categorize designs into classes and subclasses.

5️⃣ Can I sell or license a registered design?
Yes, design rights can be assigned, sold, or licensed like any other IP asset.

6️⃣ Is the design published after registration?
Yes, once approved, the design is published in the official Design Journal.

7️⃣ Can I file for design registration myself?
Yes, but consulting a professional ensures accuracy and faster approval.

8️⃣ Is a prototype or physical product needed?
No, clear graphical representations or drawings are sufficient.

9️⃣ What if someone copies my design after registration?
You can take legal action and claim damages or injunction against the infringer.

🔟 Is design registration applicable worldwide?
Indian registration protects your design only within India. For international protection, you must file in each country or via Hague System.