Rules 11-13 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Rules 11 to 13 say what a design application must contain: four copies of the representation, the class and article, a separate application for each class, the purpose of the article if the Controller asks, an optional statement of novelty, and extra copies or specimens if required. They put into practice section 5 of the Designs Act, 2000. If you are about to start an industrial design registration, this is your filing checklist.
An application under section 5 must come with four copies of the representation, and the application and each copy must be dated and signed by the applicant or agent. It must state the class and the article or articles. The same design in more than one class needs a separate application in each class. The applicant may, and shall if required, endorse a brief statement of the novelty claimed. The Controller can ask for more representations or specimens.
Source note
Rules 11 to 13 are read as notified in 2001; the Designs (Amendment) Rules, 2021 (G.S.R. 45(E)) did not change them, but substituted Form 1, the application form. The 2014 amendment (G.S.R. 925(E)) is not in the sources consulted, and later amendments should be checked. The rules implement section 5 of the Designs Act, 2000.
Rule 11: the application
Rule 11(1). "An application under section 5 of the Act for the registration of a design shall be accompanied by four copies of the representation of the design and the application and each of copy of the representation of the design shall be dated and signed by the applicant or his agent." Four copies of the representation, plus the application; every one dated and signed. The form of the representation is the subject of rule 14.
Rule 11(2). "The application shall state the class in which the design is to be registered, and the article or articles to which the design is to be applied." Classes follow rule 10, in our article on rule 10.
Rule 11(3). "If it is desired to register the same design in more than one class of article, a separate application shall be made in each class of article and the application shall contain the number or numbers of the registration or registrations already effected." So a design applied to, say, a bottle and a lamp base is not covered by one filing; each class is its own application, and later applications cite earlier registrations.
Rule 11(4). "If so required by the Controller, the applicant shall state purpose for which the article is used." This is a demand by the Controller, not part of every filing.
Form and fee
Form 1 is the application form, "Application for registration of design/Application under reciprocal arrangement" under sections 5 and 44. As substituted in 2021 it asks for:
- the class number and the name and address of the applicant, who "claim(s) to be the proprietor(s)";
- the category of applicant, ticked as Natural Person, Start-up, Small Entity or Others;
- a statement that four exactly similar drawings, photographs, tracings or specimens accompany it;
- the article or articles, or the trade description of each article in a set;
- details of any earlier registration and of the first application in a convention country (country, date of filing, application number, applicant name);
- an address for service in India with e-mail ID and mobile number; and
- a declaration that the applicant claims to be proprietor and that the design is new or original, dated and signed by the applicant or authorised agent.
As per the Schedule as substituted in 2021, the fee on an application under sections 5 and 44 (entry 1, Form 1) is Rs 1000 in the column for natural persons, startups and small entities and Rs 4000 for others. See our article on rule 5 and read the current Schedule before paying.
Rule 12: statement of novelty
"The applicant may, and shall, if required by the Controller in any case so to do, endorse on the application and each of the representation a brief statement of the novelty he claims for his design."
| Question | Answer from the text |
|---|---|
| Is it compulsory? | No, "may"; but "shall" if the Controller requires it in any case |
| Where is it written? | On the application and on each representation |
| How long? | "brief" |
| What does it state? | the novelty claimed for the design |
The rule gives no model wording, and the text does not say what effect the statement has in any later proceeding.
Rule 13: additional copies or specimens
"If the controller in any case so requires, the applicant shall supply one or more representations or specimens of the design in addition to those supplied with the application." No number, time limit or fee is stated here; the Controller decides in each case. Rule 7(2) separately allows the Controller to require additional copies of documents.
How the three rules fit together
- Prepare the application and four exactly similar representations (rule 14 sets how).
- Date and sign the application and every copy.
- State the class and the article; add the purpose of the article if asked.
- Consider adding the brief statement of novelty on the application and each representation.
- Supply extra copies or specimens if the Controller asks.
For preparation of drawings and specifications, see our guide on design specification and representation.
Illustrations (invented)
One class. Tanvi Crafts files for a hand-painted ceramic planter. It gives four exactly similar photographs, dates and signs the application and each copy, names the class and the article, and adds the statement "novelty lies in the spiral relief on the outer wall".
Two classes. Tanvi Crafts later wants the same design on a candle holder, which sits in another class. Rule 11(3) needs a separate application for that class, stating the number of the registration already made.
Controller asks. The Controller requires the applicant to state the purpose of the article. Under rule 11(4) the applicant must do so.
What the rules do not say
- They do not say what happens if one of the four copies is unsigned.
- They do not fix a time limit for supplying extra copies under rule 13.
- Rule 12 does not say what a statement of novelty should contain.
Need help preparing your application?
A complete first filing avoids objections later. Our industrial design registration team can prepare Form 1, the representations and the statement of novelty for you.
Key takeaways
- Four copies of the representation, and the application and every copy dated and signed.
- Class and article must be stated; a separate application is needed for each class.
- The Controller may ask for the purpose of the article, a statement of novelty or extra copies.
- Form 1 was substituted in 2021 and now records the applicant's category.
- The 2014 amendment is not in the sources consulted; check later amendments.
Read next
- Rule 10: classification of articles
- Rule 14: representation of the design
- How to file Form 1: design registration application
Disclaimer: Based on the Designs Rules, 2001 as notified and the Designs (Amendment) Rules, 2021, as consulted on 1 October 2026. Other amendments may apply; fees and forms change from time to time. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.