At a glance
| Governing law | Designs Act, 2000 and Designs Rules, 2001 (amended 2021) |
|---|---|
| Classification | Locarno International Classification |
| Official fee | ₹1,000 per application for individuals, startups and small entities; ₹4,000 for others |
| Term | 10 years, extendable once by 5 years (15 years total) |
| Novelty | Must not be published or used anywhere in the world before filing |
| Typical timeline | About 6 to 12 months if no objection is raised |
What qualifies as a registrable design
- New or original, and not previously published in any country
- Significantly distinguishable from known designs or combinations of known designs
- Applied to an article by an industrial process and judged solely by the eye
- Not a trademark, artistic work, mode of construction or mere mechanical device
- Not containing scandalous or obscene matter
Because prior publication destroys novelty, file before you launch, exhibit or post product images online. Functional features are better protected by a patent.
Our design services
Novelty search
Search of registered designs and published products to judge registrability before filing.
Representation sheets
Views and drawings prepared to the Design Office's format, with a statement of novelty and disclaimer.
Filing and priority
Filing in India and claiming convention priority within 6 months of a foreign filing.
Objection handling
Replies to examination objections and hearings before the Controller.
Cancellation and piracy
Cancellation petitions under Section 19 and suits for piracy of registered designs under Section 22.
Portfolio strategy
Combining design, trademark, copyright and patent protection for product ranges.
Design registration process
Search and assess
Check novelty against published designs and choose the correct Locarno class.
Prepare representations
Create the required views with a clear statement of novelty.
File Form 1
File online with the fee. The filing date is the registration date once registered.
Examination
The examiner checks formal and substantive requirements and may raise objections.
Registration and publication
On acceptance, the design is registered and published in the Patent Office Journal.
Official design fees
| Action | Natural person / startup / small entity | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Application for registration | ₹1,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Extension of copyright in design (after 10 years) | ₹2,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Cancellation petition | ₹1,500 | ₹6,000 |
Confirm the current schedule on ipindia.gov.in before filing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a design and a patent?
A design protects only the visual appearance of a product. A patent protects how something works or is made. A product can have both: a patent for its mechanism and a design for its look.
Can I register a design after launching the product?
Generally no. If the design has been published or sold anywhere before filing, it loses novelty. File before launch, exhibition or online publicity.
How long does design protection last?
Registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be extended once for a further 5 years, giving 15 years in total.
Can I protect a design in other countries?
Yes. You can claim priority from your Indian filing in convention countries within 6 months. Each country requires its own registration.
What is design piracy?
Applying a registered design, or a fraudulent or obvious imitation of it, to an article without consent. The owner can sue for damages or profits and an injunction under Section 22.
Talk to Inovatree about design registration
Inovatree Consultants LLP works from Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Kolkata with clients across India. Learn more about the firm on inovatree.in:
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Last reviewed 24 October 2026. This guide summarises the law in general terms. Every matter turns on its own facts, so take advice before acting.