Design registration in India is governed by the Designs Act of 2000, which protects the visual and aesthetic aspects of an article. As per the Design Act of 2001, a design is defined as a feature of shape, pattern, or configuration, whether two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or both, including lines and colors that give an article its distinct appearance.

Importance of Design Registration

A design is considered an intellectual property, and registering it ensures exclusive rights to its owner. Design registration:
Safeguards the aesthetic appeal of a product.
Prevents competitors from copying or replicating the design.
Grants legal protection to the registered design.
Enhances brand value and marketability.

Legal Framework for Design Registration in India

The Designs Act of 2000 governs the registration and protection of designs in India.
It replaced the Designs Act of 1911 to align with modern industrial standards.
As per Section 2D of the Design Act of 2001, a design can be mechanical, manual, chemical, or a combination of these and is judged solely by the eye.
Design registration is mandatory to claim exclusive ownership and prevent unauthorized use by competitors.