Design Objection
Reply & Scrutiny

Received a Statement of Objection after filing your Industrial Design? We draft and file the Legal Reply to overcome the Controller's objections on novelty or originality.

90%

Objection Handled

1 Month

Reply Deadline

Legal

Defense

Mandatory Reply to Design Registry within 1 Month

Get Legal Defense

Your deadline is critical. Act now.

What is a Design Objection?

It is an official letter from the Controller of Designs pointing out perceived defects in your application, most often stating that the design is "not new or original" or that it is purely functional.

This is a legal chance to defend your design. Failure to respond adequately and on time will lead to the application being officially refused.

Consequences of Failure


  • Refusal:
    The application is rejected, and the design becomes public domain.
  • Lost Fees:
    All government fees and time spent on filing are lost.
  • Appeal Required:
    The only recourse is a costly and lengthy appeal to the High Court.

Our Legal Defense Strategy

Novelty Argument

We draft arguments focusing on minute differences that constitute novelty, supported by technical drawings and explanations.

Design Amendment

If feasible, we recommend and file amendments to the design drawings to overcome technical objections without compromising the core aesthetic.

Hearing Representation

If required, our IP Attorneys will represent you before the Controller of Designs to argue the case for registration.

Documents Checklist

What is needed for a successful reply:

Official Statement of Objection (Mandatory)
Clear Photos of the Product (All sides)
Original Drawings/Sketches (Pre-filing)
Evidence of First Use (Commercial Invoices)
Digital Signature (For E-filing)

Objection Handling Process

1

Analysis

We review the official Objection notice and perform a pre-existing design search.

2

Reply Drafting

Legal response (Form 18) is drafted, citing novelty arguments and evidence.

3

Filing & Hearing

The reply is filed. If required, we represent you at the hearing with the Controller.

Acceptance

The design is accepted and published in the Official Journal.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common grounds are: Lack of Novelty (not significantly different from old designs), Lack of Originality, and Functionality (design is purely to make the article work, not look attractive).
The reply to the Statement of Objection must be filed within one month of the date of issue of the objection. Failure to do so will result in the application being abandoned.
If the Controller finally refuses the application, the only option is to file a writ petition (appeal) with the High Court within 3 months of the refusal order.

Your Design Needs Defense

Don't let a technicality cost you your exclusive rights. Act now.

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