Designs
Safeguarding Your Product's Appearance
The visual appeal of a product is a powerful commercial asset. The Designs Act, 2000, protects the unique aesthetic features of a product—its shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation—that are judged solely by the eye. This protection is separate from patents, which cover functional aspects.
What Makes a Design Registrable?
To be protected, a design must be :
- New and Original: It must not have been published or used anywhere in the world before the application date.
- Applied to an Article: The design must be applied to a product through an industrial process.
- Visually Distinct: It must be significantly distinguishable from existing designs.
A registered design gives the owner the exclusive right to use it for an initial period of 10 years, which can be extended for an additional 5 years. Unauthorized copying or application of a registered design is known as "piracy" and is legally actionable.
Design Services
- Novelty Searches: Determining if your design is eligible for registration.
- Application and Registration: Preparing and filing design applications to secure protection.
- Cancellation and Rectification: Handling proceedings to challenge or defend a registered design.
- Enforcement: Advising on design piracy and providing litigation support.
Get in Touch
Our services are delivered with the utmost professionalism and legal compliance, helping you navigate the complex IP landscape confidently. Contact us to learn how we can assist with protecting your intellectual property assets effectively.
Contact us