What is Design Registration?
Design registration under the Designs Act, 2000 protects the visual appearance of a product — specifically its shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation, or composition of lines and colours applied to any article by an industrial process. It is distinct from a trademark (which protects brand identity) and a patent (which protects the functional invention). Design registration protects what a product looks like, not what it does.
File before launch: A design must be new and original at the date of filing. Any commercial launch, trade fair display or public disclosure of the product before filing destroys the novelty of the design and makes it ineligible for registration. Register your design before your product goes to market.
Our Design Services
Design Registration
Complete design registration — representation preparation, Locarno classification, filing and prosecution before the Design Wing, Patent Office.
🗂️Design Objection Reply
Reply to design examination reports — addressing representation format issues, novelty objections and formal deficiencies.
⚖️Design Enforcement
Civil action for design infringement — injunction and damages against parties copying the visual appearance of your registered design.
What Design Registration Protects
- Shape and three-dimensional configuration of a product
- Surface pattern applied to a product — repeating motifs and decorative elements
- Ornamentation and decorative features applied by an industrial process
- Packaging designs — bottles, boxes, containers and wrappers
- Furniture, household products and consumer goods visual design
- Electronic product external housing, form and casing design
- Jewellery patterns, shapes and ornamental settings
- Textile, fabric and surface pattern designs
- Footwear and fashion accessory visual designs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is design registration in India?
Design registration under the Designs Act, 2000 protects the visual appearance of a product — its shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation or composition of lines or colours applied to an article by an industrial process. It gives the registered proprietor the exclusive right to apply that design to the relevant article and to prevent others from copying the visual appearance of your product.
How long does design registration last?
Design registration is initially valid for 10 years from the date of registration. On application filed before expiry, it can be extended by a further 5 years — giving a maximum total protection period of 15 years under the Designs Act, 2000. After expiry, the design enters the public domain.
What is the difference between design and trademark?
A trademark (™/®) protects a brand identifier — a name, logo or slogan used in commerce to identify the source of goods or services. A design registration protects the visual appearance of a physical product — its shape, pattern or ornamentation. The same product may benefit from both: a registered design for its physical appearance and a trademark for its brand name and logo.
Can I register a design that has already been published?
No. A design must be new and original at the date of filing the application. Prior publication or commercial disclosure of the design anywhere in the world — including on your own website, in a catalogue, at a trade fair, or in retail commerce — before the filing date destroys the novelty of the design and makes it ineligible for registration. File your design application before any public launch or display of the product.
What are design representations?
Design representations are the photographs or technical drawings submitted with the design application showing the article from all required angles. A minimum of 4 views is required — typically front, back, side and perspective views. Representations must be on white background without shadows, labels or props. The Controller of Designs frequently raises objections if representations do not comply with the prescribed format — proper preparation of representations before filing is essential.
Official Resource: For official information, visit the Design Wing, IP India — the authoritative government source for IP matters in India.