DPIIT Seeks Reforms in Designs Law to Boost Efficacy

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has released a concept note proposing amendments to the Designs Act, 2000, and invited public comments, as per PTI reports.  

The department said the current framework does not fully reflect how design-led innovation now occurs, leading to legal uncertainty for businesses and creators. 

Law Shaped by Earlier Industrial Conditions 

DPIIT said the existing Act was drafted in a period when design protection was tied to physical products and traditional manufacturing processes.  

It noted that design activity is now increasingly digital and technology-driven, with many designs existing partly or entirely in virtual form. 

Proposed Expansion of Design Definitions 

The concept note proposes revising the definitions of “design” and “article” to allow protection for virtual designs that are independent of physical objects.  

This would cover graphical user interfaces, icons, animations, screen-based layouts and immersive digital elements.  

It also proposes clarifying that protection can extend to movement, transitions and other dynamic visual features, not only static forms. 

Changes to Filing and Publication Rules 

DPIIT has proposed allowing applicants to defer publication of a registered design for up to 30 months.  

It has also suggested permitting multiple designs within the same class to be filed through a single application, which could reduce filing costs and administrative requirements. The concept note also proposes adding a chapter on international registrations. 

Revision of Protection Term Structure 

Currently, registered designs receive protection for 10 years, with a further five-year extension available on renewal. DPIIT has proposed a “5+5+5” structure to align with Article 17 of the Hague Agreement.  

The department said this would allow incremental extensions where designs remain commercially relevant. 

Design Filings and Global Context 

According to WIPO’s World Intellectual Property Indicators Report 2025, around 1.22 million design applications were filed globally in 2024, a 2.6% increase from the previous year.  

India recorded 12,160 design applications in 2024 and moved from 11th to 7th position globally, placing it among the top 10 design offices. 

Read More: India Draws $51 Billion FDI in 6 Months as Manufacturing, Startups Gain Ground! 

Conclusion 

DPIIT said the proposed changes are intended to update the Designs Act in line with digital design trends and international frameworks. The department has invited stakeholder feedback on the suggested amendments. 

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