In 2025, the Indian government introduced new guidelines aimed at strengthening the enforcement of design rights, marking a significant step forward in protecting intellectual property in the country. These guidelines are designed to enhance the legal framework for addressing design infringement and providing clearer procedures for creators and businesses to enforce their exclusive design rights. The new rules are expected to streamline the process of handling counterfeit goods, unauthorized use, and design violations, ensuring that intellectual property owners can protect their innovative designs more effectively.

The guidelines emphasize a more proactive approach to design rights enforcement, urging businesses, designers, and intellectual property owners to take swift action when their designs are infringed. The rules offer step-by-step procedures for filing complaints, taking legal action, and seeking remedies through court orders or out-of-court settlements. Additionally, the guidelines improve collaboration between the intellectual property office, law enforcement agencies, and customs authorities to prevent the import and sale of counterfeit products in the market.

Experts believe that the strengthened enforcement mechanisms will encourage more businesses and creators to register their designs with confidence, knowing that they can rely on legal protections if their intellectual property is violated. As India continues to grow as a hub for design-driven innovation, the new guidelines are expected to significantly reduce instances of design piracy and counterfeiting, creating a fairer, more competitive market. The initiative also reinforces India’s position as a leader in intellectual property protection, supporting its goals of fostering creativity and economic growth.