Design Application Status in India — How to Track and Understand Your Registration Progress
After submitting a design application, applicants can monitor the progress of their filing by checking the Design Application Status on the IP India portal and taking timely action at each stage of the registration process.
What Is Design Application Status in India?
The Design Application Status reflects the current stage of processing for a design registration application filed with the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. The status is updated at each key milestone — from the initial filing through examination, registration, and publication. Monitoring the status helps applicants respond to objections on time and track the overall progress of their application.
Applicants can check the design registration status online through the IP India e-filing portal using the application number issued at the time of filing.
How to Check Design Application Status in India?
Checking the Design Application Status online is straightforward. The IP India portal provides a publicly accessible status inquiry tool.
Steps to Check Status Online
- Visit the official IP India portal.
- Navigate to the Design section.
- Select the Status Inquiry option.
- Enter your design application number.
- View the current status and history of your application.
What Are the Different Design Application Statuses in India?
Understanding what each Design Application Status means is essential for applicants to take appropriate action at the right time.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Filed | Application has been submitted and received by the Design Office |
| Under Examination | The application is being reviewed by the examiner |
| Examination Report Issued | Objections have been raised and sent to the applicant |
| Response Filed | Applicant has submitted a response to the examination report |
| Hearing Scheduled | A hearing has been scheduled to address unresolved objections |
| Registered | Design has been successfully registered; certificate issued |
| Refused | Registration has been denied after examination |
| Withdrawn | Applicant has voluntarily withdrawn the application |
| Lapsed | Registration has expired due to non-renewal |
What Should You Do When an Examination Report Is Issued?
When the Design Application Status shows that an Examination Report has been issued, the applicant must respond within the prescribed time limit. Failure to respond within the deadline can result in the abandonment of the application.
Steps After Receiving an Examination Report
- Carefully read all objections raised by the examiner.
- Understand the legal and factual basis of each objection.
- Prepare a detailed written response addressing each objection.
- Amend the representations or Statement of Novelty if required.
- Submit the response within the prescribed time limit.
- Request a hearing if the written response is insufficient.
What Happens After the Design Application Is Registered?
Once the Design Application Status changes to Registered, the applicant receives a Certificate of Registration and the design is published in the Official Gazette of India. From this date, the proprietor has the exclusive right to use the design commercially and to take legal action against any person who infringes the registered design.
Post-Registration Steps
- Retain the original Certificate of Registration for legal purposes.
- Mark the product with the registered design number if desired.
- Monitor the market for potential infringements.
- File for renewal before the tenth year to extend protection.
- Record any assignment or license with the Design Office.
What Is the Timeline for Design Application Processing in India?
The time taken for a design application to move from filing to registration varies based on the volume of applications at the Design Office and whether any objections are raised during examination. Applications without objections typically progress through examination and registration more quickly than those requiring examination responses or hearings.
How to Respond to an Objection in a Design Application?
Responding to an examination objection requires a thorough understanding of the examiner's concerns and the ability to address each point with clear arguments and evidence. Common objection responses involve providing additional view representations, clarifying the Statement of Novelty, or distinguishing the design from prior art cited by the examiner.
Why Choose IndiaFilings?
IndiaFilings tracks Design Application Status proactively for all client applications and provides timely alerts when action is required. The team manages examination responses and hearings on behalf of applicants, ensuring that no deadline is missed. Businesses that want reliable tracking and professional handling of their design registration process can connect with the team at IndiaFilings for ongoing support.
