Rules 30-31 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 30 lists what goes into the Register of Designs when a design is accepted, deals with a register kept on computer, and says that for a design with a reciprocity date the copyright is counted from that date. Rule 31 lets the proprietor ask, on Form 22, for a change of name, address or address for service in the Register. If you have moved office or changed your company name, rule 31 is the one to act on, and our industrial design registration team can file the request.
When a design is accepted, the Register records, in addition to what the Act requires, the number of the design, the class, the date of filing in India, the reciprocity date if any, the claim for registration and other matters affecting validity or proprietorship. Where a reciprocity date was allowed, registration, extension and expiry of copyright are reckoned from that date. A proprietor asks for a change of name, address or address for service in Form 22, and the Controller may ask for proof first.
Source note
Rules 30 and 31 are read as notified in 2001; the Designs (Amendment) Rules, 2021 (G.S.R. 45(E)) did not change them, but substituted the First Schedule with their fees. The 2014 amendment (G.S.R. 925(E)) is not in the sources consulted, and later amendments should be checked. The Register itself is kept under sections 9 and 10 of the Designs Act, 2000. The rule text speaks of floppies and diskettes; that is the rule's wording, not a description of current practice.
Rule 30(1): what the Register records
"When a design is accepted, there shall be entered in the Register of Design, in addition to the particulars required by the Act, the number of the design, the class in which it is registered, the date of filling the application for registration in this country, the reciprocity date, if any, claim for the registration, and such other matters as would effect the validity or proprietorship of the design." (Slips: "filling" for "filing", "effect" for "affect".)
| Entry | Source |
|---|---|
| Particulars required by the Act | the Act |
| Number of the design | rule 30(1) |
| Class in which it is registered | rule 30(1) (see our article on rule 10) |
| Date of filing the application in India | rule 30(1) |
| Reciprocity date, if any | rule 30(1) |
| Claim for the registration | rule 30(1) |
| Other matters affecting validity or proprietorship | rule 30(1) |
Rule 30(2): a computer register
"When such Register of Design is maintained wholly or partly on computer under floppies or diskettes, such computer floppies or diskettes shall be maintained under superintendence and control of Controller and in case of any dispute or doubt with regard to information of designs, the information as contained in the backup file or master file shall be final."
- The register may be kept wholly or partly on computer.
- It is under the superintendence and control of the Controller.
- If there is a dispute or doubt about information, "the information as contained in the backup file or master file shall be final".
The rule does not say which of the two, backup or master, prevails if they differ. It does not describe the modern electronic system, which is outside the sources.
Rule 30(3): the reciprocity date
"Where the accepted design is one in respect of which a reciprocity date has been allowed, the registration, the extension or the expiration of the copyright in the said design shall be reckoned from such reciprocity date."
So where priority was claimed under section 44 and rule 15, the reciprocity date, not the Indian filing date, is the starting point for registration, extension and expiry of copyright. See our article on rule 15. The Act gives the copyright term (ten years extendable by five, as enacted); the rule fixes the date from which it is counted for these designs.
Rule 31: alteration of address
"A proprietor of a registered design may make a request in Form 22 to the Controller for alteration of his name, or address, or addresses for service, in the Register of Design. The Controller may require such proof of alteration so requested as he may think fit before acting on the request and on satisfaction, the Controller shall cause the Register to be altered accordingly."
- Who: the proprietor of a registered design.
- Form: Form 22, "Request to alter name or address or address for service in Register".
- What can change: name, address, addresses for service.
- Proof: the Controller "may require such proof ... as he may think fit".
- Result: on satisfaction, the Controller "shall cause the Register to be altered accordingly".
Fees
As per the Schedule as substituted in 2021:
- Entry 23, Form 22, "On request to alter names or address or address for service in the Register of Design under rule 31": Rs 200 (first column) or Rs 800 (second column).
- Entry 24, Form 23, "On request for entries of two address in the Register of Design": Rs 200 or Rs 800. Form 23 appears in the Second Schedule under section 10, as "Request for entries of two addresses in the Register". Rule 31 itself mentions only Form 22.
The first column is for natural person(s) and/or startup(s) and/or small entit(y)/(ies); the second is for others. Check the current Schedule before paying.
Why it matters
Under rule 3(2), a communication sent to the address on the Register, or the address for service, is deemed properly addressed; an out-of-date address can therefore mean notices go to a place where nobody reads them. And rule 4, as substituted in 2021, requires that the address for service include an e-mail address and a mobile number registered in India. See our article on rules 3-4. Rule 31 applies to a proprietor of a registered design; it does not mention an applicant whose design is not yet registered.
Illustrations (invented)
Register entry. Vivid Prints Pvt. Ltd. has a design accepted, with a reciprocity date of 10 June because it filed abroad first. The Register records the design number, class, Indian filing date, the reciprocity date and the claim; copyright is reckoned from 10 June.
Change of address. Vivid Prints moves its office and changes its agent. It files Form 22 asking to alter its address and address for service, with proof of the change. The Controller, on being satisfied, has the Register altered.
What the rules do not say
- They do not say how long the Controller takes to alter the Register.
- They do not say what proof is enough for a change of name.
- Rule 30(2) does not state how a conflict between backup and master files is resolved.
- Rule 31 does not cover an applicant, only a proprietor.
Need help updating your design records?
Notices sent to an old address can cost you a deadline. Our industrial design registration team can file Form 22 and keep your records and address for service up to date.
Key takeaways
- On acceptance the Register records the design number, class, Indian filing date, reciprocity date and claim, plus other matters affecting validity or proprietorship.
- If the Register is on computer, the backup or master file is final in a dispute.
- Where a reciprocity date was allowed, copyright is reckoned from it.
- Form 22 asks for alteration of name, address or address for service; the Controller may ask for proof.
- The 2014 amendment is not in the sources consulted; check later amendments.
Read next
- Rule 29: procedure for cancellation of registration
- Rules 32-37: registration of documents, assignment, licence and mortgage entries
- Design registration process: application to certificate
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.