Duration of Protection

• A registered design is initially valid for 10 years.
  
• It can be extended once for an additional 5 years.
  
• The maximum period of protection is 15 years in total.
  
• After this period, the design automatically expires.
  
• Expired designs fall into the public domain.
  

Post-Expiry Legal Status

• Once expired, the design is no longer protected by law.
  
• The proprietor loses all exclusive rights.
  
• Anyone can use, reproduce, or sell the design freely.
  
• The design cannot be enforced in infringement cases.
  
• It becomes a part of public visual assets.
  

Non-Availability of Re-Registration

• Indian law does not permit re-registration of expired designs.
  
• Once the 15-year term ends, renewal is not allowed.
  
• A previously registered design cannot be re-registered as new.
  
• The Designs Act enforces strict time-based protection limits.
  
• The same design cannot be protected again by refiling.
  

Possibility of New Registration with Modifications

• A significantly modified version may qualify for new registration.
  
• The new design must differ visually and be original.
  
• Minor changes to an expired design are not sufficient.
  
• The revised design must meet the standards of novelty.
  
• The application must be assessed independently of the expired version.
  

Best Practices for Design Management

• Track expiration dates and renew timely within allowed periods.
  
• Plan commercial use to maximize protection during the active term.
  
• Consider filing new designs if products evolve visually.
  
• Preserve documentation of modifications for future filings.
  
• Consult legal experts when redesigning expired products.