ENA Sectors 2026-01-30 14:35:55 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jan 30 (KNN)</strong> The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has proposed amendments to the Designs Act, 2000. The proposed updates respond to the rise of digital innovation, virtual products, and immersive consumer experiences.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In a Concept Note released by DPIIT, the department outlined that the reforms aim to modernise Indias design protection framework and align it with global standards. It noted that Indias current design law, drafted for traditional physical goods, does not adequately cover digital and technology-driven designs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The amendments aim to support the Prime Ministers vision of Design in India, Design for the World and strengthen Indias competitiveness in global design protection.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Proposed Changes</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Key proposals include extending protection to virtual, screen-based, and animated designs; introducing a 12-month grace period for applicants; and allowing deferred publication of designs for up to 30 months. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">They also propose greater flexibility in procedural timelines, legal remedies through statutory damages, and revising the term of protection to a flexible 5+5+5 system from the current 10+5 years. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additional measures include permitting multiple designs in a single application with the option to divide applications, and facilitating international registration under the Design Law Treaty (DLT) and Hague Agreement.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Global and Domestic Context</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The DPIIT highlighted the increasing importance of digital and interactive designs, such as graphical user interfaces, icons, and animations, in global markets. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">According to WIPOs World Intellectual Property Indicators 2025, global design filings reached 1.22 million in 2024, with India recording 12,160 applications and rising to 7th among top design offices globally.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Stakeholder Consultation</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The department has invited public and industry feedback to ensure the proposed amendments balance innovation, commercial relevance, and international alignment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span><br /> </p> 44946 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/dpiit-proposes-amendments-to-designs-act-seeks-industry-feedback 2026-01-30 14:35:55 knnindia.co.in