Design Registration

Overview

Design Registration is a form of intellectual property protection that safeguards the visual appearance of a product. It protects features such as shape, pattern, configuration, ornamentation, or color applied to an article. The protection is for how a product looks, not how it functions.

The main purpose of design registration is to prevent unauthorized copying or imitation of a product’s aesthetic features and to encourage innovation and creativity in product design.

A design must be new, original, and not previously published to be eligible for registration. It should be applied to a physical article and must not be dictated solely by its function.

Once registered, the owner gets exclusive rights to use the design and can license, sell, or take legal action against infringement. Design registration is granted for a limited period, usually 10 years, extendable by 5 years, depending on the country.

Design registration plays an important role in branding, market competitiveness, and commercial value, especially in industries like fashion, furniture, packaging, consumer goods, and electronics.

What is Design Registration

Design Registration protects the aesthetic features of an article, such as:

· Shape

· Pattern

· Configuration

· Ornamentation

· Lines or colors applied to a product

It does NOT protect:

· The technical function

· The method of manufacture

· The idea or concept

Why Important

Design registration:

· Gives exclusive rights to the owner

· Prevents others from copying or imitating the design

· Helps in branding and market value

· Allows the owner to license or sell the design

· Provides legal protection in case of infringement

Difference Between

Aspect Design Patent Copyright

Protects Appearance Invention/function Creative expression

Example Bottle shape Machine Painting, song

Registration Required Required Automatic (in many countries)

Documents Required

1. Application Form

· Duly filled design registration application form

· Contains:

· Applicant’s name and address

· Type of applicant (individual / company / firm)

· Article to which the design is applied

2. Representations of the Design (Most Important)

· Clear drawings or photographs of the design

· Usually required from multiple views, such as:

· Front view

· Back view

· Side view

· Top view

· Perspective view

📌 Must clearly show the visual features of the design.

3. Description of the Design

· Brief written description explaining:

· The features of the design

· What is claimed as new

· Should focus only on appearance, not function

4. Class of Article

· Classification of the product under the Locarno Classification

· Specifies the type of article (e.g., furniture, packaging, footwear)

5. Statement of Novelty

· A short statement highlighting the new and original features

· Helps the examiner identify what is being protected

6. Applicant Identity Proof

(Depends on applicant type)

· Individual: ID proof (if required)

· Company: Certificate of incorporation

· Partnership/firm: Registration document

7. Power of Attorney / Authorization

· Required if the application is filed through an agent or attorney

· Authorizes the agent to act on behalf of the applicant

8. Priority Document (If Applicable)

· Required only if:

· The design was first filed in another country

· Must be submitted within the prescribed time

9. Fee Receipt

· Proof of payment of the official filing fee

· Fee varies based on:

· Applicant type

· Country

How to Apply

Step 1: Create a New Design

· The design must be new and original

· It should focus on the appearance (shape, pattern, color, configuration)

· Do not publish or disclose the design before filing

Step 2: Conduct a Design Search

· Check existing registered designs to ensure novelty

· Helps avoid rejection or legal conflict

· Search is done in the official design database

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Prepare:

· Application form

· Clear drawings or photographs of the design (multiple views)

· Statement of novelty

· Description of the design

· Article classification (Locarno Classification)

· Applicant details

· Power of attorney (if filed through an agent)

· Official filing fee

Step 4: File the Application

· File the application with the Design Office / Intellectual Property Office

· Filing can usually be done:

· Online, or

· Offline (physical submission)

· Pay the required fee

Step 5: Examination by Authority

· The Design Office examines:

· Novelty

· Originality

· Compliance with law

· If objections are raised, a response must be filed within the given time

Step 6: Acceptance & Registration

· If the application is accepted:

· The design is registered

· A registration number is issued

Step 7: Publication

· The registered design is published in the official design journal

· Makes the design publicly available

Duration of Protection

· Initial protection: 10 years

· Extension: 5 additional years

· Total protection: 15 years (varies by country)

Important Tips

✔ Keep the design confidential before filing
✔ Submit clear, high-quality images
✔ Focus only on visual features, not functionality
✔ File early to secure priority

FAQ

What is Design Registration?

Design Registration is a form of intellectual property protection that safeguards the visual appearance of a product, such as its shape, pattern, or ornamentation, without protecting its function.
Can a design registered in one country be protected in another?

Yes, through priority claim under the Paris Convention, if filed within 6 months of the first application.
What cannot be registered as a design?

Designs that are common or known Purely functional features Designs contrary to morality or public order Artistic works already protected by copyright (in some cases)
How long is a design protected?

Initial protection: 10 years Extendable by: 5 more years Total: 15 years (varies by country)

Design Registration