Design registration
Protect the new shape, pattern or look of a product under the Designs Act, 2000.
Reviewed by CS Prashant Kumar · Last reviewed 5 Nov 2026
Frequently asked questions
What can be registered as a design?
The shape, configuration, pattern or ornamentation applied to an article, judged by the eye, if it is new and original.
How long does design protection last?
Ten years, extendable by a further five years.
Can I register a design I’ve already sold?
Prior publication or sale can make the design lose novelty. Speak to us before filing.
Design or trademark for packaging?
A new pack shape can be a design; a distinctive pack look used as your brand sign can also be a trademark. Some products need both.
What does design registration protect?
The look of a product: its shape, configuration, pattern or ornament, as judged by the eye. It does not protect how the product works.
How long does a registered design last?
Ten years, extendable once by a further five years.
Can I register a design after launching the product?
Usually not. If the design was published or disclosed before filing, it may no longer be new. File before launch.
Is a logo a design?
No. Logos are protected as trademarks, and the artwork by copyright. Design registration covers the appearance of a product.