DPIIT Proposes Amendments To Designs Act, Seeks Industry Feedback

New Delhi, Jan 30 (KNN) The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has proposed amendments to the Designs Act, 2000. The proposed updates respond to the rise of digital innovation, virtual products, and immersive consumer experiences.

In a Concept Note released by DPIIT, the department outlined that the reforms aim to modernise India’s design protection framework and align it with global standards. It noted that India’s current design law, drafted for traditional physical goods, does not adequately cover digital and technology-driven designs.

The amendments aim to support the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Design in India, Design for the World’ and strengthen India’s competitiveness in global design protection.

Proposed Changes

Key proposals include extending protection to virtual, screen-based, and animated designs; introducing a 12-month grace period for applicants; and allowing deferred publication of designs for up to 30 months. 

They also propose greater flexibility in procedural timelines, legal remedies through statutory damages, and revising the term of protection to a flexible ‘5+5+5’ system from the current 10+5 years. 

Additional measures include permitting multiple designs in a single application with the option to divide applications, and facilitating international registration under the Design Law Treaty (DLT) and Hague Agreement.

Global and Domestic Context

The DPIIT highlighted the increasing importance of digital and interactive designs, such as graphical user interfaces, icons, and animations, in global markets. 

According to WIPO’s World Intellectual Property Indicators 2025, global design filings reached 1.22 million in 2024, with India recording 12,160 applications and rising to 7th among top design offices globally.

Stakeholder Consultation

The department has invited public and industry feedback to ensure the proposed amendments balance innovation, commercial relevance, and international alignment.

(KNN Bureau)