Rule 14 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.
Rule 14 says what the drawings, photographs, tracings or specimens that accompany a design application must look like. It covers the four copies, sets of articles, paper and layout, specimens, words and letters on the design, repeating patterns and the consent of living or deceased persons whose names or likenesses appear. Because the representation is what the Controller examines and what the Register publishes, it is the most practical rule in a design filing, and one our industrial design registration team checks line by line.
The four copies required by rule 11 must be exactly similar drawings, photographs, tracings or other representations, or specimens. Each must be on durable A4 paper (not cardboard), one side only, with views placed upright and each view designated. For a set, show all arrangements. A repeating surface pattern must show the complete pattern and a sufficient portion of the repeat, not smaller than 5 by 4 inches or 13.00 by 10.00 centimetres. Living persons' names or likenesses may need consent.
Source note
Rule 14 is read as notified in 2001; the Designs (Amendment) Rules, 2021 (G.S.R. 45(E)) did not change it. The 2014 amendment (G.S.R. 925(E)) is not in the sources consulted, and later amendments should be checked. The rule supports section 5 of the Designs Act, 2000. For a practical guide to preparing drawings see our design specification and representation guide.
Rule 14(1): four exactly similar copies
"The four copies of the design required by rule 11 shall be exactly similar drawings, photographs, tracings or other representations of the design or shall be specimens of the design." The same number, four, comes from rule 11(1). "Exactly similar" means the four sets must match; one copy cannot show a different view or colour from another.
Rule 14(2): sets
"When a design is to be applied to a set, each representation accompanying the application shall show all the various arrangements in which it is proposed to apply the design to the articles included in the set." The definition of "set" is in rule 2(e) (see our article on rules 1-2).
Rule 14(3): paper and layout
- "durable paper of A4 size (and not on cardboard)";
- "on one side only of the paper";
- figures "in an upright position on the sheet";
- when more than one figure, "where possible, on one and the same sheet", each designated, for example "perspective view; front view, side view".
Rule 14(4) and (5): sets and specimens
- (4) Any doubt whether the given articles "do or do not constitute a set shall be determined by the controller."
- (5) "If the specimens are not, in the opinion of the Controller, suitable for record in the office they shall be replaced by representations." So a physical specimen may be accepted at filing, but if it cannot be kept on record, you replace it with drawings or photographs.
Rule 14(6): words, letters and numerals
"Where words, letters or numerals are not of the essence of the design, they shall be removed from the representations or specimens; where they are of the essence of the design, the Controller may require the insertion of a disclaimer of any right to their exclusive use."
| Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Words, letters or numerals not of the essence of the design | removed from the representations or specimens |
| Words, letters or numerals of the essence of the design | Controller may require a disclaimer of any right to their exclusive use |
The text does not define "essence" any further.
Rule 14(7): repeating surface patterns
"Each representation of a design, which consists of a repeating surface pattern, shall show the complete pattern and a sufficient portion of the repeat in length and width, and shall not be of less size than 5 by 4 inches or 13.00 centimeters by 10.00 centimeters." Drafting point: the two measures are printed as alternatives, but 5 by 4 inches and 13.00 by 10.00 centimetres are not exactly equal at the usual conversion. The text does not say which governs, so confirm with the office if your sheet is near the minimum.
Rule 14(8): living and deceased persons
"If the name or representations of living persons appear on a design the Controller shall, if he so requires, be furnished with consents from such persons before proceeding to register the design. In the case of deceased person, the Controller may call for consent from the legal representative before proceeding with registration of the design on which the names or representations appear."
- Living person: consent from that person, if the Controller so requires.
- Deceased person: the Controller "may" call for the consent of the legal representative.
- Timing: before the Controller proceeds to register.
Illustrations (invented)
Set. Zenith Kitchenware applies for a design on a three-piece container set. Each representation must show all the arrangements in which the design is to be applied to the containers: stacked, side by side and with lids on, for example.
Pattern. Kalpana Weaves submits a swatch of a floral pattern 6 by 4 inches. It shows the full motif and the repeat in length and width and is not smaller than the minimum in rule 14(7).
Likeness. Studio Raga applies for a design on a commemorative plate carrying the portrait of a living singer. The Controller, if he so requires, will want the singer's consent before registering. If the portrait is of a person who has died, he may call for the consent of the legal representative.
What the rule does not say
- It does not say what the Controller does if the four copies differ.
- It does not describe digital images, file formats or electronic filing; it speaks of paper.
- It does not define "essence of the design".
- It does not give the form of a disclaimer.
Need help with design drawings?
The representation is what the Controller examines and what is published, so it needs care. Our industrial design registration team can prepare drawings and views that follow rule 14 before the application is filed.
Key takeaways
- Four exactly similar copies; drawings, photographs, tracings, other representations or specimens.
- Durable A4 paper, one side only, upright figures with each view designated.
- A set must show all arrangements; the Controller decides doubts on what is a set.
- Words, letters and numerals are removed unless essential; the Controller may require a disclaimer.
- Repeating patterns must show the whole pattern and a sufficient portion of the repeat, not below the stated size.
- The 2014 amendment is not in the sources consulted; check later amendments.
Read next
- Rules 11-13: application, statement of novelty and additional copies
- Rule 15: reciprocity application for registration of a design
- Common mistakes in design registration and how to avoid them
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.