Initial Validity Period

• A registered design in India is valid for ten years from the date of registration.
  
• The registration date is counted from the official filing date of the application.
  
• During this period, the design holder enjoys exclusive rights over the design.
  
• Renewal is required only once, after this initial term.
  
• The registration remains active unless it is allowed to lapse.
  

Renewal Timeline

• The renewal must be completed before the expiry of the ten-year period.
  
• The process can be initiated several months in advance of expiry.
  
• Early renewal ensures continuity of protection without legal interruption.
  
• There is no grace period or provision for late renewal under the Designs Act.
  
• Filing the renewal late results in automatic expiration of the design.
  

Prescribed Form and Fee

• Renewal is done by filing Form-3 under the Designs Rules, 2001.
  
• The appropriate renewal fee must be paid based on the applicant category.
  
• Startups and small entities are eligible for reduced fees.
  
• Details such as registration number and applicant information must be included.
  
• All documentation must be submitted before the deadline.
  

Importance of Timely Renewal

• Timely renewal extends the protection for an additional five years.
  
• It preserves the exclusive rights over the commercial use of the design.
  
• It prevents the design from entering the public domain.
  
• It allows enforcement actions to continue against infringement.
  
• Missed renewals cannot be reversed or corrected later.
  

Legal Reference and Oversight

• Section 11 of the Designs Act, 2000 governs the term and renewal provisions.
  
• The Controller of Designs at the Kolkata Office manages renewal requests.
  
• Renewed designs are recorded in the Register of Designs.
  
• Status updates are published in the Designs Journal.
  
• All filings and payments must conform to the Designs Rules, 2001.