Rules 6-9 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 6 to 9 are the housekeeping rules every filing must follow: use the form in the Second Schedule, prepare the paper in the prescribed way, sign and verify the documents the Act names, and authorise an agent properly. None of them is hard, but a document that departs from them can draw an objection or delay. This article walks through each rule for anyone preparing an industrial design registration file.
Use the forms set out in the Second Schedule, varied as the case requires. Documents (except drawings) must be on A4 paper, in English or Hindi unless the Controller directs otherwise, with a left margin of at least one and a half inches (four centimetres). Documents under sections 5, 12, 19 and 37 must be dated, signed at the foot and verified. An agent is authorised under the applicant's personal signature, in Form 21.
Source note
Rules 6 to 9 are read as notified in 2001; the Designs (Amendment) Rules, 2021 (G.S.R. 45(E)) did not change them, but did substitute Forms 1 and 24 in the Second Schedule. The 2014 amendment (G.S.R. 925(E)) is not in the sources consulted, and later amendments should be checked.
Rule 6: forms
- Rule 6(1): "The forms set forth in the Second Schedule, with such variations, as the circumstances of each case require, shall be used for the purposes mentioned therein."
- Rule 6(2): where no form is specified for a purpose, "the applicant may adopt any form specified in the Second Schedule with such modification and variation as the controller may permit."
So a form is not a fixed template; variation is allowed to fit the case. Where no form exists, the applicant borrows one, but only with the Controller's permission to modify it. The list of forms is in the Second Schedule; see our article on the list of forms. The 2021 amendment replaced Form 1 (the application) and Form 24 (declaration of small entity or startup status).
Rule 7: size and form of documents
Rule 7(1). All documents and copies, "except drawings or representation", sent to or filed with the Office or furnished to the Controller must be:
- written, typewritten, lithographed or printed;
- in the English or Hindi language, "unless otherwise directed";
- in large and legible character, with deep permanent ink;
- on one side only of strong white paper of A4 size;
- with a margin of at least "one inch and a half or four centimeters" on the left hand part.
Signatures must be "in a large and legible hand". A signature that is not legible, or is in a script other than English, must be accompanied by a transcription of the name in English in block letters. Drawings and representations are governed by rule 14, covered in our article on rule 14.
Rule 7(2). "Additional copies of documents shall be filed at the Office, if at any time required by the Controller."
Rule 7(3). Names and addresses of applicants and other persons "shall be given in full together with their nationality and such other particulars, if any, as are necessary for identification."
Rule 8: signature and verification
The documents specified in sections 5, 12, 19 and 37 of the Act "shall be dated and signed at the foot", and each must contain a statement that the facts and matters stated in it are true to the knowledge, information and belief of the person signing it.
| Section of the Act | Document it concerns |
|---|---|
| Section 5 | application for registration |
| Section 12 | application for restoration of a lapsed design |
| Section 19 | petition for cancellation |
| Section 37 | named in rule 8; the rule does not describe the document |
The rule itself does not describe the contents of the section 37 document; for that, read sections 37-41 of the Act. Form 1 as substituted in 2021 contains a declaration that the applicant claims to be the proprietor and that the design is new or original; it is to be signed "by the applicant or by authorized agent" and dated.
Rule 9: agency
"For all matters falling under the provisions of section 43 of the Act, applicant may, unless otherwise directed by the Controller, authorize under his personal signature, any person specified in section 43 to act as his agent and to receive all notices, requisitions and communications. The authority may be given in Form- 21."
- Who may be an agent: a person specified in section 43 (see our article on section 43).
- How: by authority under the applicant's personal signature.
- What the agent receives: all notices, requisitions and communications.
- Form: Form 21, "Power of authority to agents", under section 43. The First Schedule shows no fee for it.
- Controller's power: "unless otherwise directed by the Controller".
Rule 9 says the authority "may" be given in Form 21, so the text does not make the form compulsory; but rule 6(1) says the forms "shall be used".
Illustrations (invented)
Paper. Shreya Textiles sends a covering letter in 11-point blue ink on a single sheet with a one-centimetre left margin. Rule 7(1) asks for deep permanent ink and a margin of at least four centimetres on the left, so the sheet is likely to be returned for correction.
Signature. A director signs a verification in a script other than English. Under rule 7(1) the signature has to be accompanied by the name transcribed in English in block letters.
Agent. Pinecrest Furniture Pvt. Ltd. appoints a registered agent under section 43 by signing Form 21. Notices, requisitions and communications can then be sent to the agent.
What these rules do not say
- They do not state the form number of every filing; the Second Schedule does.
- Rule 8 does not say what happens if a document is unsigned or unverified.
- Rule 7 does not address electronic documents; the text speaks of paper.
Need help with design forms and paperwork?
A correct form, a proper margin and a signed authority save weeks of back-and-forth. Our industrial design registration team prepares the forms, verification and Form 21 so that the filing is in order from the first day.
Key takeaways
- Use the Second Schedule forms, varied as needed; where none exists, adapt one with the Controller's permission.
- A4 paper, one side, English or Hindi, left margin of at least four centimetres.
- Documents under sections 5, 12, 19 and 37 are dated, signed at the foot and verified.
- An agent is authorised under the applicant's personal signature, in Form 21.
- The 2014 amendment is not in the sources consulted; check later amendments.
Read next
- Rules 3-4: leaving and serving documents and address for service
- Rule 10: classification of articles
- 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.