A registered design in India is protected for ten years, renewable once for a further five — fifteen years in all, and no more. Miss the renewal and the design lapses, though it can be restored within a year.
The term of protection
Under Section 11(1) of the Designs Act, 2000, a registered design has copyright (design protection) for ten years from the date of registration — or from the priority date, where priority is claimed.
The one renewal
Under Section 11(2), the design may be renewed once, for an additional five years, at any time within the initial ten-year period. That is the ceiling: maximum 15 years, with no further extension.
How to renew — Form 3
Renewal is filed on Form 3 with the prescribed fee (indicative — verify current rates in the Designs Rules):
- Natural persons, start-ups or MSMEs: ₹2,000
- Others: ₹8,000
Start-up and MSME applicants must be registered with DPIIT or hold Udyam/Udyog Aadhaar registration to claim the lower fee.
Restoring a lapsed design — Form 4
If a design lapses for non-payment, Section 12 allows restoration by filing Form 4 within one year of expiry (indicative fees):
- Natural persons, start-ups or MSMEs: ₹1,000
- Others: ₹4,000
Practical guidance
- Diarise the renewal within the first ten years — the five-year renewal must be sought before the initial term ends.
- Do not miss the one-year restoration window — after it, the design cannot be revived.
- Claim the correct fee tier — keep your MSME/start-up registration handy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a registered design last in India? Ten years from registration (or priority), renewable once for five more — a maximum of fifteen years.
How do I renew a design? File Form 3 with the prescribed fee within the initial ten-year term.
Can a lapsed design be restored? Yes — by filing Form 4 within one year of expiry, under Section 12.
Is there any extension beyond fifteen years? No. Fifteen years (10 + 5) is the maximum; there is no further renewal.
Useful official resources
- The Designs Act, 2000
- IP India — Designs