In general, a design is the outer outlook of an article that a naked eye can see. The definition of a Design as per the act provides that a design means only the features of shape, configuration, pattern, ornament or composition of lines or colours applied to any article whether in two dimensional or three dimensional or both forms, by any industrial process or means, whether manual, mechanical or chemical, separate or combined, which in the finished article appeal to and are judged solely by the eye, but does not include any mode or principle of construction or anything which is in substance a mere mechanical device, and does not include any trademark or property mark or artistic work.
The Design Law in India is governed by the Designs Act, 2000. The old Design Act, 1911 was amended in 2000 to incorporate the amendments which were rendered necessary because of the tremendous progress made by India in the field of Science and Technology. The said Act was amended with a view to provide more protection to registered designs and to promote design activity in order to promote design element in an article of production. The Rules were last amended in the year 2008.
It takes around 10-12 months from date of filing of design application to complete the procedure till grant/ refusal. We may receive at least one examination report from the Design office after filing a design application. We file the response and complete the formalities raised in examination report on behalf of applicant. The Design right is granted for the term of 10 years, which may be renewed for another 5 years on completion of requisite formalities.