Design Registration for Product Appearance
Protect the unique visual design of your product — its shape, pattern or ornamentation. Leegal handles the application end-to-end.
What Does Design Registration Protect?
Design registration protects the visual appearance of a product — its shape, configuration, pattern or ornamentation — rather than how it functions, which is instead the domain of patents.
It's commonly used for consumer products, packaging, furniture and similar items where the look and feel is a key part of the product's market appeal.
| Design Registration | Trademark Registration |
|---|---|
| Protects the visual appearance/shape of a product | Protects brand identifiers like names, logos and slogans |
| Valid for an initial term, renewable further | Renewable indefinitely in ten-year terms |
| Must be new and not previously published anywhere | Doesn't require novelty in the same sense, just distinctiveness |
| Best suited to distinctive product shapes/patterns | Best suited to brand names, logos and taglines |
Documents Required
Keep these ready before your consultation to speed up filing.
- Representation/drawings of the design from multiple views
- Details of the product/article the design applies to
- PAN and address proof of the applicant
- Assignment deed, if the applicant isn't the original creator
- Details of any prior publication or use of the design
- Priority document, if claiming priority from a foreign application
How It Works
Free Consultation
We understand the product and the specific design elements to protect.
Novelty Check
We assess whether the design has been previously published or registered.
Application Filing
We prepare and file the design application with the Design Office.
Examination Support
We help respond to any objections until the design is registered.
Product Design Filing
Registration for the shape, configuration and pattern of your product.
Novelty Assessment
Checking prior publication before you invest in filing.
Renewal Support
Keeping your registered design protection current.
Why Register Through Leegal
- Experienced team that checks novelty before filing.
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges.
- One dedicated point of contact through examination.
- Support with renewals to keep protection active.
Talk to Our Team
GS006, Vikash Nagar, Ramgarh Cantt, Jharkhand 829122, India
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between design and patent protection?
Design registration protects how a product looks, while a patent protects how it works or functions — the two are often complementary for the same product.
Can I register a design if it's already been sold publicly?
Prior publication or use can affect the novelty requirement, so it's best to file before public disclosure wherever possible.
How long does design registration last?
It's granted for an initial term and can be renewed for a further term, giving a total period of protection set under the Designs Act.
Can packaging or product shape be registered as a design?
Yes, distinctive packaging and product shapes are commonly registered, provided they meet the novelty requirement.
Do I need separate design registrations for each product variant?
Multiple variants of a design applied to the same article can often be covered together; our team can advise on the most efficient filing strategy.
Have a Distinctive Product Design to Protect?
Talk to our team and get a clear plan for your design registration — no obligation.