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India Set to Revamp Design Act for Modern Era

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. dia-set-to-revamp-design-act-for-modern-era.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 2:21 GMT by The Financial Express
      Locales: Delhi, INDIA

New Delhi - February 1st, 2026 - The Indian government is on the cusp of enacting significant changes to the Design Act, 2000, a move widely anticipated to invigorate the nation's product design landscape and strengthen intellectual property (IP) protections. Sources within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirm that the process of finalizing proposed amendments is nearing completion, signaling a potential overhaul of how designs are registered and safeguarded in India.

The current Design Act, enacted in 2000, lays the groundwork for the registration and legal protection of designs, defining criteria such as novelty, originality, and aesthetic appeal as prerequisites for registration. While foundational, experts agree that the rapid evolution of product design, particularly fueled by disruptive technologies, necessitates an update to ensure the Act remains relevant in the contemporary business environment.

Why the Changes Now?

The impetus for these amendments stems from several key factors. The rise of digital design tools, including AI-assisted design platforms and generative design software, has blurred traditional definitions of originality and authorship. 3D printing and additive manufacturing have dramatically reduced prototyping costs and lead times, accelerating the product development cycle. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of design-intensive industries--from consumer electronics and automotive to medical devices and fashion--demands a more robust and flexible IP framework.

"The existing Act, while adequate for its time, doesn't fully address the nuances of modern design practices," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading IP lawyer specializing in design rights. "For example, questions around the protectability of designs generated by artificial intelligence, or the ownership of designs created through collaborative platforms, are not explicitly addressed. The amendments aim to clarify these grey areas."

Expected Amendments and Their Implications

While details remain confidential, sources indicate the proposed changes are likely to encompass several key areas:

• Digital Design Protection: The amendments are expected to specifically address the protection of designs created digitally, including computer-generated designs and designs embedded in software or virtual products. This could involve establishing guidelines for determining novelty and originality in a digital context.
• Partial Design Registration: Currently, the Act requires registration of an entire article. The proposed changes may allow for the registration of parts of an article, offering more targeted protection for unique design elements. This is particularly valuable for modular products where individual components are key differentiators.
• Design Validity Period: While the current registration period is 10 years, there is discussion around extending this period, possibly with options for renewal. An extended validity period provides increased long-term value for design owners.
• Streamlined Registration Process: The ministry is reportedly exploring measures to digitize and streamline the design registration process, reducing processing times and administrative burdens. This may involve online filing systems and automated checks for novelty.
• Enhanced Enforcement Mechanisms: Strengthening enforcement mechanisms is a priority. The amendments may include provisions for stricter penalties for design infringement and expedited legal procedures for resolving disputes.
• Alignment with International Standards: The updates will likely aim to harmonize Indian design law with international standards, such as the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs, potentially simplifying the process for Indian designers seeking protection in multiple countries.

Impact on Stakeholders

The anticipated changes will have a significant impact on various stakeholders. Designers and manufacturers will benefit from stronger IP protections, incentivizing innovation and investment in new products. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to be particularly well-positioned to leverage the updated framework, as it will provide them with affordable and accessible means of protecting their designs.

The amendments also hold implications for the legal profession. IP lawyers will need to adapt to the evolving legal landscape, particularly in the areas of digital design and AI-generated content. The courts will face the challenge of interpreting the new provisions and applying them to complex design disputes.

Consultation and Timelines

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is actively engaging with stakeholders, including designers, manufacturers, legal experts, and industry associations, to gather feedback on the proposed changes. These consultations are crucial to ensure that the amendments are practical, effective, and aligned with the needs of the design community. While a precise implementation timeline remains unconfirmed, sources suggest the amended Act could be introduced in Parliament within the next few months, with potential enactment later this year.