Rules 24 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.
After Form LD-1 is filed, the Rules lay out what the Registrar does and what the applicant must do within fixed periods: acknowledge the application (rule 24), raise objections that the applicant must answer within three months (rule 25), allow a withdrawal for a fee refund (rule 26), communicate the decision and give the grounds on request (rule 27), allow corrections and amendments (rule 28) and withdraw acceptance on notice (rule 29). They implement sections 8, 9, 12 and 78 of the Act.
This article reflects the Rules as amended up to G.S.R. 689(E) dated 14 September 2012 (the only amendment). Check sicldr.gov.in for later notifications. Missed periods in these rules lead to deemed abandonment, so a legal dispute resolution adviser should be consulted as soon as an objection arrives.
The Registrar acknowledges each application by returning a copy of Form LD-1 with the official number. If he objects, or proposes acceptance on conditions, he writes to the applicant, who has three months to amend, give observations or ask for a hearing, or the application is deemed abandoned. After a decision, the applicant may within one month ask on Form LD-5 for the grounds. Corrections are sought on Form LD-6. Where the Registrar objects after acceptance, the applicant has two months to amend or ask for a hearing, or the acceptance is deemed withdrawn.
Rule 24: acknowledgement
"Every application for the registration of a layout-design shall, on receipt, be acknowledged by the Registrar. The acknowledgement shall be by way of return of one copy of the application on Form LD-1 with the official number of the application duly entered thereon." The numbered copy is the proof of filing and the application number used in the later advertisement. The form itself is described in Rules 21 to 23.
Rule 25: objections to acceptance and the hearing
- 25(1). If, on consideration of the application and any evidence of use or originality or other matter the applicant may be required to furnish, the Registrar has any objection to acceptance, or proposes to accept it subject to amendments or modifications, "the Registrar shall communicate such objections or proposal in writing to the applicant."
- 25(2). If within three months from the date of that communication the applicant does not amend the application according to the proposal, submit observations or apply for a hearing, "the application shall be deemed to have been abandoned."
| Step | Period | Consequence of silence |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar's written objection or proposal | n/a | n/a |
| Applicant: amend, submit observations or apply for a hearing | Three months from the communication | Application deemed abandoned |
The power rests on section 8(3) of the Act, under which the Registrar may refuse or accept absolutely or subject to amendments; see sections 8 and 9.
Rule 26: notice of withdrawal for a refund
"A notice of withdrawal of application for registration of a layout-design under sub-section (2) of section 78 for the purpose of obtaining repayment of any fee paid on the filing of the application, shall be given in writing within three months from the date of communication mentioned in sub-rule (1) of rule 25." This is the "prescribed period" in section 78(2): where affirmative preliminary advice was given and the Registrar later objects on originality, the applicant who withdraws within three months of that communication is entitled to repayment of the filing fee. See sections 78 to 82.
Rule 27: the Registrar's decision and grounds
27(1): decision, then Form LD-5
The decision of the Registrar under rule 25 or rule 29, after a hearing, or without a hearing if the applicant has communicated his observations in writing and stated that he does not wish to be heard, "shall be communicated to the applicant in writing". If the applicant intends to appeal, he "may within one month from the date of such communication apply on Form LD-5 accompanied by prescribed fee to the Registrar requiring him to state in writing the grounds of, and materials used by him in arriving at, his decision." Schedule I, entry 5: Rs 500, Form LD-5 (amount as printed in 2001; the Registry's forms page lists the same, checked 3 October 2026).
27(2) and (3): requirements and the date of communication
Where the Registrar makes requirements to which the applicant does not object, the applicant must comply before the Registrar issues the written statement. And "the date when the statement in writing under sub-rule (1) is received by the applicant shall be deemed to be the date of communication of the Registrar's decision for the purpose of appeal." So the appeal period under section 42 (three months from communication) runs from receipt of the statement of grounds, not from the earlier decision. The appeal itself goes to the Board: no notification bringing sections 32 to 53 (and 55) into force was found in the India Code record or on the Registry's notifications page (checked 3 October 2026); check the current position before relying on that route. See sections 40 to 44.
Rule 28: correction and amendment
"An applicant for registration of a layout-design, may, whether before or after acceptance of his application but before the registration of the layout-design apply on Form LD-6 accompanied by prescribed fee for the correction of any error in or in connection with his application or any amendment of his application." Schedule I, entry 6: Rs 300, Form LD-6. This is the route for section 12(a) of the Act, covered in sections 10 to 12.
Rule 29: withdrawal of acceptance
29(1) and (2)
If after acceptance but before registration the Registrar has any objection "on the ground that it was accepted in error, or that the layout-design ought not to have been accepted in the circumstances of the case", or proposes that the layout-design be registered only subject to additional or different amendments, he communicates the objection in writing. Unless within two months of that communication the applicant amends the application or applies for a hearing, "the acceptance of the application shall be deemed to be withdrawn by the Registrar, and the application shall proceed as if it has not been accepted."
29(3) and (4): the hearing
If the applicant says within the two months that he wants a hearing, the Registrar gives notice of a date at least fifteen days after the notice, unless the applicant consents to shorter notice. The applicant may state that he does not desire to be heard and submit his submissions. The Registrar may, after hearing or considering the submissions, "pass such orders as he may deem fit."
| Rule | Period | Applicant's choices | Silence means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 (objection before acceptance) | Three months | Amend, observations, hearing | Application deemed abandoned |
| 26 (withdrawal for refund) | Three months from rule 25(1) communication | Written notice | No refund right |
| 27(1) (grounds of decision) | One month from communication | Form LD-5 | No statement of grounds |
| 29 (objection after acceptance) | Two months | Amend or hearing | Acceptance deemed withdrawn |
A worked example
A start-up's application is acknowledged on a copy of Form LD-1 bearing its official number. The Registrar writes proposing acceptance only if a drawing is amended. The start-up asks for a hearing within three months and is heard. The Registrar decides against it; within one month of the written decision the start-up applies on Form LD-5 for the grounds. It will treat the date of receipt of that statement as the date of communication for any appeal. Separately, a typing error in the applicant's address is fixed on Form LD-6 before registration.
Need help with an objection?
If you have received an objection or a proposal to accept on conditions, the periods run from the date of the letter. Our legal dispute resolution team can prepare the reply and the hearing request.
Key takeaways
- Every application is acknowledged by returning Form LD-1 with the official number.
- An applicant has three months to answer an objection or proposal, or the application is deemed abandoned.
- Form LD-5 asks for grounds of decision within one month; receipt of the statement is the date of communication for appeal.
- Form LD-6 seeks correction or amendment before registration.
- After an objection post-acceptance, two months to amend or ask for a hearing, or acceptance is deemed withdrawn.
Read next
- Sections 8 and 9: the application and withdrawal
- Sections 10 to 12: advertisement and opposition
- Rules 30 to 32: advertisement in the Journal
Disclaimer: Based on the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, 2000 (never amended; commencement as notified in 2004, 2011 and 2014) and the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Rules, 2001 as amended by G.S.R. 689(E) of 14 September 2012, as consulted on 3 October 2026. Check sicldr.gov.in for later notifications and current forms and fees. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.