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Design Registration
Design Registration is a legal process under the Designs Act, 2000, which offers protection to the visual features of shape, pattern, line, color, or composition applied to an article. Once registered, it gives the creator exclusive rights and helps prevent unauthorized copying or imitation.
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How to select options
Design registration (For MSME)
Protect your product’s unique design with registration available for individuals and MSMEs—covering micro, small, and medium enterprises under Udyam.
ITR-3
Salary + business or professional income having turnover upto 1 crore .
ITR-3
Salary + business or professional income having turnover more than 1 crore upto 2 crores
Design Registration (For Not MSME)
Product’s unique design with registration for non-MSME entities, including companies, LLPs, and large enterprises.
Documents Required for Design Registration in India
At Bharat e-filing, we ensure your design registration process is handled with precision and legal compliance. To initiate the registration, you are required to furnish the following documents:
Applicant Information
Full name and complete address of the individual or entity applying for design registration.
Nature and Legal Status of Applicant
Clarification of the applicant’s legal nature (individual, proprietorship, company, LLP, etc.).
Startup Recognition Certificate (if applicable)
If the applicant is recognized as a startup, submit a valid Startup India recognition certificate.
Description of the Article
A clear, detailed description of the article to which the design is applied. Ensure the article is classified correctly under the Design Rules.
Visual Depictions of the Design
Provide at least four high-quality images or drawings of the design from different angles to capture the design features comprehensively.
Power of Attorney (if applicable)
If the application is being filed through a representative or agent, a duly signed Power of Attorney document is required.
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Design Registration in India
Design Registration in India: Protect Your Unique Creations
At Bharat e-filing, we believe every original design deserves protection. Design registration legally safeguards your creations, recognizing them as valuable intellectual property and preventing unauthorized copying. It grants the registered owner exclusive usage rights for an initial period of ten years, with a possibility of renewal for an additional five years.
In today’s competitive landscape, securing your designs through Design e-Filing isn’t just advisable — it’s essential. Our experienced team at Bharat e-filing ensures your design registration process in India is seamless, accurate, and fully compliant with the latest regulations.
Governing Law for Design Registration
Design registration in India is governed by The Designs Act, 2000, and the corresponding Design Rules, 2001.
The 2000 Act replaced the earlier Designs Act of 1911 to better reflect modern industry needs. The Design Rules have undergone notable amendments, especially in 2008 and 2014, introducing crucial changes — including the recognition of “small entities” as a distinct applicant category alongside individuals and corporate bodies.
What is a "Design" under Indian Law?
As defined under Section 2(d) of the Designs Act, 2000, a “design” refers to the features of shape, configuration, pattern, ornament, or composition of lines or colors applied to an article, whether two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or both.
These designs may be created through industrial processes, mechanical methods, or chemical means. However, a critical aspect is that the design must appeal purely to the eye and should not relate to the underlying technical or mechanical principles of the article.
Essential Criteria for Design Registration
For a design to be eligible for protection under Indian law, it must meet the following requirements:
- Novelty and Innovation – The design should introduce a new visual aspect, offering uniqueness not previously disclosed anywhere globally.
- Originality and Prior Non-Disclosure – The design must be completely original and not publicly known, published, or used before the date of application.
- Attachment to an Article – The design must be applied to a tangible product. Mere standalone concepts without association to a physical article are not registrable.
- Compliance with Public Order and Security – The design must not offend public morality, decency, or compromise the security of India. Any design contrary to these principles is non-registrable under the Act.
Meeting these standards ensures that your design qualifies for protection under Section 5 of the Designs Act, 2000.
Designs Not Eligible for Registration
Not all designs can be protected. Indian law excludes the following from registration:
Literary and Artistic Works – Items such as books, calendars, stamps, and labels are safeguarded under copyright, not design law.
Architectural Works – Buildings, monuments, and architectural structures are not eligible for design registration.
Geographical Representations- Maps, globes, and charts are outside the scope of design registration.
National Symbols –Designs resembling national flags, emblems, or official insignia are prohibited from
Who Can Apply for Design Registration?
The following persons or entities are eligible to apply for design protection in India:
- Individuals
Any natural person or their legal representative can apply, either singly or jointly. - Legal Entities
Companies, partnerships, LLPs, startups, and recognized small entities are entitled to file for design registration. - Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
NRIs must apply through a duly authorized agent or representative based in India.
Every applicant must comply with the requirements stipulated under Indian law, ensuring proper and complete filings in the prescribed manner and language.
Why Choose Bharat e-filing for Your Design Registration?
At Bharat e-filing, we offer more than just filing services.
We bring strategic expertise, attention to detail, and legal precision to your design registration journey.
Our professionals ensure:
- Thorough pre-filing assessment of your design.
- Accurate classification and representation.
- Complete support for both individual and corporate applicants.
- Expert handling of startups and small entity registrations.
- End-to-end guidance, from filing to certification.
We understand that your designs are a valuable asset — let us help you protect them effectively and effortlessly. Connect with our experts today to initiate your Design e-Filing and safeguard your innovations for the future.
Advantages of Registering a Design:
Protection Against Unauthorized Copying:
Registering a design gives the owner exclusive rights to use it. This prevents others from making, selling, or distributing products with the same or a confusingly similar design without your consent.
Long-Term Legal Protection:
In India, a registered design is protected for an initial period of 10 years. After that, the protection can be renewed for an additional 5 years, allowing for long-term exclusivity and market advantage.
Competitive Business Advantage:
A registered design helps distinguish your products from competitors, providing a unique market presence. It functions as a visual brand identity, fostering customer trust and loyalty.
Assurance of Originality:
Registered designs demonstrate that the product is original and novel. It has not been previously used or published in India or any other WTO member country. This added credibility boosts the product’s market value.
Stronger Customer Appeal:
As design registration focuses on the visual appearance, it ensures that the product is aesthetically appealing, which can significantly increase customer interest, desirability, and ultimately, sales.
Promoting Creativity and Innovation:
The requirement for design registration to be unique and distinctive fosters an environment of creativity and innovation. It encourages businesses to continually develop new, original designs to maintain a competitive edge.
Step-by-Step Process for Design Registration in India
Registering a design involves several stages to ensure your creation meets all legal standards. Here’s a structured view of the design registration procedure:
1.Conducting a Design Search – The first step is performing a comprehensive design search to ensure your creation is genuinely novel and not already registered. A thorough search helps avoid potential conflicts and objections later in the process.
2.Preparing and Filing the Application – Our team drafts a well-structured application, accompanied by all mandatory documents, including detailed representations of the design, description of the article, and applicant details.
3.Examination by the Design Office – Upon submission, the application undergoes a formal examination by the Controller of Designs. The authorities assess compliance with the provisions of the Designs Act and check for novelty and originality.
4.Publication in the Official Gazette – Once the application passes examination, it is published in the Official Journal. This allows the public to review and raise objections, if any.
5.Grant of Registration – If no oppositions are filed — or if any filed objections are successfully resolved — the Controller grants the registration, and a Design Registration Certificate is issued, securing your rights for 10 years.
6.Renewal of Design Protection – Before the expiration of the initial 10-year term, an application can be made to renew the registration for an additional five years, ensuring uninterrupted protection.
Why Choose Bharat e-filing for Design Registration?
At Bharat e-filing, we offer end-to-end professional support in your design registration journey.
Our services include:
- In-depth novelty and infringement searches.
- Drafting and filing complete and compliant design applications.
- Handling responses to examination reports and oppositions (if any).
- Monitoring the design registration status at every stage.
- Assisting with renewals to keep your rights intact.
- Providing personalized advisory at every step — at competitive pricing.
With a team of experienced professionals specializing in design law, we simplify the complex process of protecting your creative assets and ensure your intellectual property rights are upheld.
Ready to Protect Your Design?
Take the first step towards securing your creative assets.
Talk to our Design Registration Experts today and make your mark legally protected!
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Customer Reviews For Design Registration
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Design Registration FAQs – Bharat e-Filing
A 'design' refers to the features of shape, configuration, pattern, ornament, or composition of lines or colors applied to any article—whether two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or both—by any industrial process. It must be new, original, and judged solely by the eye.
Any person claiming to be the proprietor of a new or original design—including individuals, firms, companies, or other legal entities—can apply. Foreign applicants must file through an agent residing in India.
The design must be new or original.
It should not be previously published or used in India or abroad.
It must be applicable to an article by an industrial process.
The design should be visually appealing and not merely functional.
A registered design is valid for 10 years from the date of registration and can be extended once for an additional 5 years, totaling 15 years of protection.
In general, prior disclosure disqualifies a design. However, if the disclosure occurred at a recognized exhibition and the Controller was notified in advance, the design may still be registered if applied for within six months of disclosure.
The process includes:
Filing an application with the required documents and fees.
Examination by the Controller of Designs.
Publication in the Official Gazette.
Issuance of a registration certificate if no objections are raised.
Yes. A registered design may be canceled if:
It is not new or original.
It was disclosed to the public prior to the filing date.
It does not comply with the Designs Act.
- No. Registration can be based on drawings or representations of the article, as long as the design meets all eligibility criteria.
Design: Protects the aesthetic (visual) features of an article.
Trademark: Protects brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans used to distinguish goods/services.
Yes, if the articles are ordinarily sold together (e.g., cutlery sets) and the same design is applied uniformly, the set can be registered as a single design.
Piracy can lead to:
Injunctions against the offender.
Damages up to ₹25,000 per act of infringement.
A maximum of ₹50,000 recoverable as contract debt.
Yes. If the registration lapses due to non-payment of renewal fees, it can be restored within one year from the expiration date by applying with reasons and paying the prescribed fees.
Yes. Once published in the Official Gazette, registered designs can be inspected by the public upon filing Form-5 and paying the requisite fee.
Yes. Design rights can be assigned, licensed, or transferred through a written agreement, which must be recorded with the Design Office to be legally effective.
India is a member of the Paris Convention, allowing applicants to claim priority from their Indian application in other member countries. However, there is no unified international design registration system—you must file separate applications in each desired country.
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