The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on 29 January 2026 released a Concept Note proposing comprehensive amendments to the Designs Act, 2000, aimed at modernising India’s design protection framework and aligning it with global best practices. The proposed reforms are intended to strengthen India’s design ecosystem and advance the national vision of Design in India Design for the World.
The Concept Note also proposes India’s accession to two key international instruments, the Riyadh Design Law Treaty and the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs. These steps are expected to integrate India more closely with the global design protection system, simplify procedures for designers and businesses, and enhance the international competitiveness of Indian designs.
The proposed amendments seek to ensure that India’s design law remains relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by digital innovation, virtual products and immersive consumer experiences. By updating statutory definitions and procedures, the reforms aim to address emerging forms of design while offering greater flexibility and certainty to rights holders.
Key proposals outlined in the Concept Note include:
Extending design protection to virtual designs by making material changes to the definition of article and design.
Introduction of a full grace period of 12 months.
Introduction of an option for deferring publication of a design for up to 30 months.
Introduction of timeline relief provisions in alignment with the Designs Law Treaty.
Introduction of statutory damages.
Revision of the term of protection.
Introduction of multiple design filings in a single application.
Option for division of applications.
Other miscellaneous changes to align the Designs Act with the Designs Law Treaty and the Hague Agreement.
According to the Concept Note, these reforms are intended to make India’s design protection regime more user-friendly, predictable and internationally harmonised, while encouraging innovation and safeguarding the interests of designers, startups and industry.
DPIIT has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the proposals to facilitate further deliberation and detailed development of the amendments. The Concept Note has been placed in the public domain as part of a consultative approach to lawmaking, ensuring that diverse perspectives from industry, designers, legal experts and other stakeholders are taken into account.
The Concept Note is available on the official website of DPIIT for public consultation.
