Standard Renewal Requirement

• A registered design in India is valid for an initial period of ten years.
  
• It must be renewed before the expiry of the ten-year term.
  
• The renewal extends the protection for an additional five years.
  
• Form-3 must be submitted along with the applicable renewal fee.
  
• Timely renewal is essential to maintain continuous legal protection.
  

No Statutory Grace Period

• The Designs Act, 2000 does not provide any grace period for late renewal.
  
• There is no provision to extend the deadline beyond the expiry date.
  
• Once the initial ten-year term expires, the design lapses automatically.
  
• The right to renew is lost if not exercised on time.
  
• Late filing or delayed payments are not accepted for renewal purposes.
  

Effect of Non-Renewal

• The registered design enters the public domain upon expiry.
  
• The proprietor loses all exclusive rights associated with the design.
  
• Others may use, copy, or reproduce the design without legal consequence.
  
• Legal enforcement or claims of infringement cannot be initiated after lapse.
  
• The lapsed design cannot be revalidated or restored.
  

Precautionary Measures

• Applicants should track the renewal deadline well in advance.
  
• Reminders should be set to file at least a few months before expiry.
  
• Agents or IP consultants can help manage design portfolios and renewals.
  
• Accurate records of filing and expiration dates must be maintained.
  
• Confirmation of renewal should be obtained from the Design Office.
  

Legal and Administrative Guidelines

• The renewal provisions are governed by Section 11 of the Designs Act, 2000.
  
• The Designs Rules, 2001 outline the procedural requirements for renewal.
  
• The Controller of Designs does not entertain restoration of lapsed registrations.
  
• The Register of Designs reflects the updated status after expiry or renewal.
  
• The Designs Journal publishes notices of renewed or lapsed registrations.