Design Registration

Overview

Design registration under the Designs Act, 2000 protects the unique visual features — shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation, or composition of colours — applied to a manufactured article. It protects how a product looks, not how it works (which is covered by patents). A registered design grants 10 years of exclusive protection (extendable by 5 more years) against any person applying the same or substantially similar design to the same or similar article.

Design registration is particularly valuable in industries where aesthetics drive purchase decisions — consumer electronics, furniture, footwear, apparel, jewellery, packaging, automotive components, and kitchen appliances. MFiling prepares professional design representations (5-view drawings/photographs), conducts prior design searches on the Patent Office database, classifies the design under the Locarno Classification, and files the application with the Design Wing of the Patent Office.

Government fees: Rs.1,500 (individual), Rs.750 (startup/small entity), Rs.3,000 (company). MFiling professional charges: from Rs.7,999 inclusive of drawing preparation and filing.

Key Benefits

10-Year Exclusive Protection Against Design Copying

Prevents competitors from making, selling, or importing products with the same or similar appearance.

Protects Aesthetics Driving Purchase Decisions

Crucial for products where appearance is the key differentiator — fashion, electronics, packaging.

Criminal and Civil Remedies

Infringement attracts fines up to Rs.1,00,000 per offence and civil injunctions.

Valuable IP Asset

Registered design can be licensed, assigned, or used as collateral — builds IP portfolio value.

Extends to 15 Years Total

Initial 10-year protection extendable by 5 more years on payment of renewal fee.

Locarno Classification Expertise

MFiling correctly classifies designs under the international Locarno system to ensure maximum scope.

Documents Required

Representations of Design — 5 Drawings or Photographs in Prescribed Views (Front, Back, Left, Right, Top, Perspective)

Statement of Novelty — Brief description identifying novel visual features

Disclaimer — Statement of features not claimed (functional or textual elements)

Identity Proof and Address of Applicant

Form 1 (New Application) or Form 2 (Convention Priority) as applicable

Power of Attorney authorizing MFiling as agent

How it Works

Prior Design Search (Day 1–2)

Search IP India's design database and international databases to confirm the design is novel.

Prepare Professional Drawings (Day 2–7)

Create 5-view professional drawings/photographs showing all aspects of the design clearly.

Locarno Classification (Day 3)

Classify the design under the correct Locarno Class for the article type.

Draft Statement of Novelty (Day 3–5)

Identify the distinctive visual features that are the subject of the design claim.

File Form 1 on IP India Portal (Day 7)

Submit application with drawings, statement of novelty, disclaimer, and prescribed fee.

Examiner Review (1–3 months)

Design Wing examiner checks formality compliance and novelty — 1–3 months for standard examination.

Respond to Objections (if any) (As required)

File counter-statement addressing any objection raised by the examiner.

Design Registration Certificate Issued (3–6 months)

Registration certificate confirms exclusive rights for 10 years from application date.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I change a product design after registering, do I need a new registration?

If the change creates a new distinctive visual impression, a new design registration is advisable. Minor modifications that preserve the essential visual character of the original registered design may still be covered by the original registration, but this is a matter of assessment. MFiling evaluates whether changes are material enough to require a fresh application.

What is the difference between design registration and trademark registration for a logo?

A logo used as a brand identifier (on products, packaging, marketing) should be registered as a trademark (Class-based protection of brand identity). A logo that constitutes the distinctive shape/appearance of a product or packaging should also be considered for design registration (protects the visual design of the article itself). Many businesses protect logos under both — trademark registration prevents brand confusion, design registration prevents product appearance copying.

Service Price

₹7,999

Starting price · GST extra

Call Expert WhatsApp Us

10-Year Exclusive Protection Against Design Copying

Prevents competitors from making, selling, or importing products with the same or similar appearance.

Protects Aesthetics Driving Purchase Decisions

Crucial for products where appearance is the key differentiator — fashion, electronics, packaging.

Criminal and Civil Remedies

Infringement attracts fines up to Rs.1,00,000 per offence and civil injunctions.

Valuable IP Asset

Registered design can be licensed, assigned, or used as collateral — builds IP portfolio value.

Extends to 15 Years Total

Initial 10-year protection extendable by 5 more years on payment of renewal fee.

Locarno Classification Expertise

MFiling correctly classifies designs under the international Locarno system to ensure maximum scope.

Design Registration

Overview

Key Benefits

Documents Required

How it Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

Related Articles

Ready to Start or Grow Your Business?

Design Registration

Overview

Key Benefits

Documents Required

How it Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

Trademark Registration

Trademark Objection

Trademark Certificate

Trademark Opposition

Related Articles

Annual Compliance Checklist for Private Limited Companies in 2025

GST Registration: Who Needs It and How to Apply?

How to Register a Private Limited Company in India (2025 Guide)

Ready to Start or Grow Your Business?