Issuance of Examination Report

• After submission, the design application is examined by the Design Office.
  
• An examination report is issued if formal or substantive objections are found.
  
• Objections may relate to novelty, originality, classification, or formatting.
  
• The report is sent to the applicant or their authorized agent.
  
• It forms the basis for seeking clarification or correction.
  

Response Timeline for Objections

• The applicant must respond to the objections within 6 months from the filing date.
  
• This period is counted from the date of application, not the objection report.
  
• The 6-month window is fixed under the Designs Rules, 2001.
  
• The response must include written submissions, amendments, or representations.
  
• Failing to respond within the period leads to abandonment of the application.
  

Extension Provision Available

• An additional 3 months may be granted for response.
  
• The extension must be requested in writing before expiry of the 6-month deadline.
  
• The Controller has discretion to allow or deny the extension.
  
• Reasons for delay must be justified and documented.
  
• The total permissible response time is 9 months from the filing date.
  

Submission Requirements for Reply

• The response must be filed through the prescribed format or portal.
  
• Supporting documents, revised representations, or clarifications must be included.
  
• The reply should directly address each point raised in the report.
  
• Affidavits or expert opinions may be submitted if required.
  
• Timely and complete submissions improve the chances of acceptance.
  

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Failure to respond within the allowed period results in the application being deemed abandoned.
  
• No further processing or examination takes place after the deadline.
  
• The applicant loses all priority rights linked to that application.
  
• A fresh application would be needed to seek protection again.
  
• Proper tracking and management of deadlines is critical for success.