Design Manual
The Design Manual provides comprehensive guidelines and instructions for design examination, registration procedures, and office practices.
Purpose of the Manual
The Design Manual serves as a reference guide for:
- Design Office staff and examiners
- Patent and design agents
- Applicants and proprietors
- Legal professionals
- Academic institutions
Manual Contents
Volume I: Introduction and Overview
- Historical development of design law
- International design protection systems
- Role of Design Office
- Organizational structure
- Functions and responsibilities
Volume II: Design Registration Procedures
- Application filing procedures
- Form requirements and specifications
- Design representation guidelines
- Classification procedures
- Priority claim procedures
- Fee payment procedures
Volume III: Examination Guidelines
- Principles of design examination
- Novelty assessment criteria
- Originality evaluation
- Prior art search procedures
- Examination report preparation
- Objection handling procedures
Volume IV: Registration and Publication
- Acceptance procedures
- Publication in Design Journal
- Opposition proceedings
- Registration certificate issuance
- Register maintenance
- Public access procedures
Volume V: Post-Registration Procedures
- Renewal procedures
- Assignment and licensing
- Restoration of lapsed designs
- Amendment procedures
- Recordal procedures
- Enforcement procedures
Examination Guidelines
Novelty Assessment
- Definition of novelty in designs
- Prior publication criteria
- Worldwide novelty standards
- Grace period provisions
- Novelty testing procedures
Originality Evaluation
- Criteria for originality
- Comparison with prior designs
- Overall impression test
- Informed user standard
- Originality assessment methods
Classification Guidelines
- Locarno Classification system
- Class determination procedures
- Sub-class selection criteria
- Multiple classification rules
- Classification updates
Office Practices
Documentation Standards
- File management procedures
- Record maintenance standards
- Documentation guidelines
- Archive procedures
- Digital documentation
Quality Assurance
- Quality control procedures
- Review mechanisms
- Performance standards
- Training requirements
- Continuous improvement
Procedural Forms
Application Forms
- Form 1 - Application for registration
- Form 2 - Statement of novelty
- Form 3 - Power of attorney
- Form 4 - Extension of time
Post-Registration Forms
- Form 5 - Assignment deed
- Form 6 - Renewal application
- Form 7 - Restoration application
- Form 8 - Amendment application
Updates and Revisions
The Design Manual is regularly updated to:
- Incorporate legal amendments
- Reflect procedural changes
- Include new examination practices
- Address emerging issues
- Align with international standards
Access and Availability
The Design Manual is available through:
- Official IP India website
- Design Office libraries
- Regional office collections
- Professional associations
- Educational institutions
