What is the duration of the registration of a design? Can it be extended?

A registered design is initially protected for a period of ten years from the date of registration. However, if the design has been granted priority based on an earlier application, the protection period is counted from the priority date instead.

The owner of the registered design has the option to extend this protection for an additional five years. To do so, they must submit an application using Form-3 along with the prescribed fee to the Controller before the initial ten-year period expires. Interestingly, the request for an extension can be made immediately after the design is registered, ensuring continuous protection without any gaps.

Extending the registration helps the proprietor maintain exclusive rights over the design for a longer period, preventing unauthorized use or imitation by competitors. This extended protection is particularly valuable for businesses and designers who rely on the unique appearance of their products to maintain a competitive edge in the market.