Rules 47 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 47 to 54 are the Rules behind sections 22 and 23 of the Act. They prescribe Forms LD-10 and LD-11 for registering a new owner's title, what the application must contain, the case to state where no document proves title, the Registrar's power to ask for proof, impounding of under-stamped instruments, a bar where money leaves India without permission, and the forms for an assignment without goodwill (LD-8 and LD-9).
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. Fees are those in Schedule I as notified in 2001; the Registry's forms page lists the same amounts (checked 3 October 2026). A transfer of a layout-design should be papered with agreement drafting support so that the instrument meets these rules.
The new owner applies on Form LD-10 (alone) or Form LD-11 (jointly with the registered proprietor) (entry 9: Rs 1500), producing the instrument or a certified copy. If no document proves title, a case is stated and may be verified on Form LD-7. The Registrar may call for more proof, impound an insufficiently stamped instrument, and will not register title where an assignment involves money moving outside India without the permission the law requires. For an assignment without goodwill, Form LD-8 (entry 7: Rs 2000) seeks advertisement directions and Form LD-9 (entry 8: Rs 500) an extension.
Rule 47: the application
"An application to register the title of a person who becomes entitled, by assignment or transmission, to a registered layout-design shall be made on Form LD-10 or Form LD-11 accompanied by prescribed fee according as it is made by such person alone or conjointly with the registered proprietor."
| Who applies | Form | Fee (Schedule I) |
|---|---|---|
| The new owner alone | LD-10 | Entry 9: Rs 1500 (Form "LD-11 or LD-10") |
| The new owner jointly with the registered proprietor | LD-11 | Entry 9: Rs 1500 |
Section 23(1) of the Act requires the person entitled to apply in the prescribed manner; see sections 22 and 23. Forms LD-10 and LD-11 may be sent to either the appropriate office or the head office under rule 7(2)(b).
Rule 48: particulars and the instrument
The application "shall contain full particulars of the instrument, if any, under which the application or in case of a joint application, the person other than the registered proprietor claims to be entitled to the layout-design; and such instrument or a duly certified copy thereof shall be produced at the Registry for inspection at the time of application." The Registrar "may require and retain an attested copy of any instrument produced for inspection in proof of title, but such copy shall not be open to public inspection." So the deed is shown at filing, and a retained copy stays private.
Rule 49: where no document proves title
If the applicant "does not establish his claim under any document or instrument which is capable in itself of furnishing proof of his title", then, unless the Registrar directs otherwise, he must state a case "setting forth the full particulars of the facts upon which his claim to be proprietor of the layout-design is based, and showing that the layout-design has been assigned or transmitted to him." If the Registrar requires it, the case is verified by an affidavit on Form LD-7. This is the route for a successor by inheritance or merger without a standalone deed.
Rule 50: proof of title
"The Registrar may call upon any person who applies to be registered as proprietor of a registered layout-design to furnish such proof or additional proof of title as he may require for his satisfaction." This matches section 23(1), which makes registration depend on proof of title "to his satisfaction".
Rule 51: impounding
"If in the opinion of the Registrar any instrument produced in proof of title of a person is not properly or sufficiently stamped, the Registrar shall impound and deal with it in the manner provided by Chapter IV of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899." The Indian Stamp Act, 1899 is an older statute named in the Rules; check the current stamp law that applies. This article states no rate or duty. The practical point is that a deed should be stamped before it is produced.
Rule 52: money sent outside India
"If there is in force any law regulating the transmission of moneys outside India, the Registrar shall not register the title of a person who becomes entitled to a layout-design by an assignment which involves such transmission except on production of the permission of the authority specified in such law for such transmission." The Rule names no particular statute. For cross-border payments, see our FEMA guides and take advice; this article names no other law.
Rule 53: assignment without goodwill
53(1): Form LD-8
"An application for directions under section 22 shall be made on Form LD-8 accompanied by prescribed fee and shall state the date on which the assignment was made. The application shall give particulars of the registration of registered layout-design including user of the registered layout-design. The Registrar may call for any evidence or further information and if he is satisfied with regard to the various matters he shall issue directions in writing with respect to the advertisement of the assignment." Schedule I, entry 7: Rs 2000, Form LD-8.
53(2): Form LD-9
"A request for an extension of the period within which the application mentioned in sub-rule (1) may be made shall be on Form LD-9 accompanied by prescribed fee." Schedule I, entry 8: Rs 500, Form LD-9. Section 22 allows the six months to be extended by not more than three months in the aggregate.
Rule 54: the entry application for an assignment without goodwill
An application under rule 47 relating to an assignment shall state (a) whether the layout-design had been or was used in the business; and (b) whether the assignment was made otherwise than in connection with the goodwill of that business. If both circumstances subsisted, the applicant "shall leave at the Registry a copy of the directions to advertise the assignment, obtained upon application under rule 53, and such proof, including copies of advertisement or otherwise, as the Registrar may require, to show that his directions have been fulfilled and if the Registrar is not satisfied that the directions have been fulfilled, he shall not proceed with the application."
The sequence for an assignment without goodwill
| Step | Rule | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for advertisement directions (within the section 22 period) | 53(1) | LD-8 (Rs 2000) |
| Extension of that period, if needed | 53(2) | LD-9 (Rs 500) |
| Advertise as directed | Section 22 | n/a |
| Apply to register title, with directions and proof of advertisement | 47, 54 | LD-10 or LD-11 (Rs 1500) |
Fee entries are in Schedule I; the forms are described in Schedule II part 1. The Act's rules on assignment are in sections 19 to 21.
A worked example
A fabless start-up sells its registered layout to an electronics maker by a written deed, without its other business. The buyer applies on Form LD-8 for advertisement directions, stating the date of the assignment and the particulars of the registration. The Registrar issues written directions, and the buyer advertises as directed. It then applies jointly with the seller on Form LD-11 with the fee, produces the stamped deed for inspection, and leaves the directions and proof of advertisement under rule 54. If the payment under the deed involves money going abroad, it produces the permission the law requires.
Need help with a transfer?
If you are buying or selling a registered layout-design, our agreement drafting team can prepare the deed and the forms in the right order.
Key takeaways
- Title is registered on Form LD-10 (new owner alone) or LD-11 (jointly with the proprietor); Schedule I, entry 9: Rs 1500.
- The instrument, or a certified copy, is produced at filing; a retained copy is not open to public inspection.
- Where no document proves title, a case is stated and may be verified on Form LD-7.
- Insufficiently stamped instruments are impounded; payments leaving India need the permission the law requires.
- Assignments without goodwill need Form LD-8 (Rs 2000), the advertisement and proof of it; Form LD-9 (Rs 500) seeks an extension.
Read next
- Sections 19 to 21: validity and assignment
- Sections 22 and 23: the Act on assignment without goodwill
- Schedule II part 1: Forms LD-1 to LD-18
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.