Grounds for Rejection

• The design may be rejected if it lacks novelty or originality.
  
• It can be refused if it does not conform to the definition under the Designs Act, 2000.
  
• A design that is functional in nature may be disqualified.
  
• Any design found to be obscene or contrary to public morality may be rejected.
  
• Incomplete documentation or failure to respond to objections can also lead to rejection.
  

Examination Report and Response

• If objections are found, an examination report is issued to the applicant.
  
• The applicant is given an opportunity to reply within six months.
  
• A further extension of up to three months may be granted upon request.
  
• The response may include clarifications, modifications, or supporting evidence.
  
• If the response is unsatisfactory or not submitted, the application is rejected.
  

Consequences of Rejection

• A rejected design does not receive legal protection under the Designs Act.
  
• The design is not entered in the Register of Designs.
  
• The applicant loses exclusive rights to the design.
  
• Any public disclosure of the rejected design may forfeit novelty.
  
• The design enters the public domain if not subsequently protected.
  

Options After Rejection

• The applicant may file a request for a hearing with the Controller of Designs.
  
• If still dissatisfied, an appeal can be made to the High Court.
  
• Fresh filing is possible with necessary modifications to address earlier objections.
  
• The applicant must ensure that the new filing meets all legal requirements.
  
• There is no automatic restoration of a rejected design without reprocessing.
  

Administrative Record and Communication

• The decision of rejection is formally recorded by the Design Office.
  
• The applicant is notified through official communication.
  
• No publication is made for rejected designs in the Designs Journal.
  
• The rejection does not prevent filing for the same design under other IP laws.
  
• Proper recordkeeping of the rejection is maintained in the applicant’s file.