Guide to Design Protection in India

Industrial Design rights protect the features of shape, configuration, pattern, ornament or composition of lines or colours applied to any two- or three-dimensional article. In other words, industrial designs protect the outward aspect of a product. The Indian law of designs is governed by the Designs Act of 2000, in which the requirements for design protection, registration and enforcement are defined. While there are very broad similarities between the Indian system and that which European SMEs are accustomed to in Europe, there are some specific differences which must be kept in mind. The purpose of this document is to give an overview of what European SMEs willing to protect their designs in India must know in order to ensure that adequate measures are taken.