The 60-second version
Design registration protects new or original visual features of articles — file Form 1 with representations, 10-year term extendable by 5 years, distinct from patent and copyright.
Design protects appearance — patent protects function
Design registration under Designs Act 2000 covers shape, configuration, pattern, or ornament applied to an article.
File before public launch — prior publication can destroy novelty.
Patent lane: patent guide; brand: trademark guide.
Product IP stack
| Right | Protects | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Visual appearance | 10+5 years |
| Patent | Technical invention | 20 years |
| Trademark | Brand | 10 years renewable |
| Copyright | Artwork/manual | Life + 60 years |
Design filing
Novelty check
Design search on IP India.
Representations
7 views of article.
Form 1
e-Filing with class.
Examination
Respond to objections.
Registration cert
Download when granted.
Timeline
Design kit
- Product drawings.
- Locarno class.
- Applicant PAN.
- Priority doc if Paris route.
- Cert PDF.
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Functional features
Pure functional parts not registrable as design — use patent instead.
Quick visual
Animated decision map
Community signal
What to watch in real discussions
Search community threads for the exact phrase, then treat repeated complaints as risk signals rather than official advice.
Open nofollow community search ->Interactive checkpoint
Turn this guide into a decision file
0 of 4 checked
Mobile app UI?
Copyright for screens; design if physical product shell.
vs trademark?
Design = product look; trademark = brand identifier.
China design first?
Paris priority within 6 months.
Spare parts?
Must be article under Designs Act — verify class.
Infringement?
Registered design enables civil suit for knockoffs.
Timeline?
6–12 months typical after examination.
The plan is only as good as the sequence.
Tax, banking, schools, shipping — they all have dependencies. A wrong order costs months and lakhs. Get it right.