In the current world, everyone must ensure that they seek protection for their innovations. Out of all the patent types, design patents most crucially protect the ornamental aspects of a given product. In India, filing a design patent is often lengthy and complicated. It also may limit the market entry of your product.
Several measures can accelerate the process of design patent registration. Fulfilling the requirements, with the help of professional patent consultants and using the correct approaches, will make the filing process smoother and faster. This blog outlines the essential steps to fast-track the design patent registration process in India and safeguard your creations.
Understanding the Design Patent Filing Process in India
Before diving into ways to expedite the process, it’s essential to understand the basic design patent filing process in India:
- Preparation of Application: The initial process for protecting a new design is to complete and submit the design patent application to the IPO. The application must also indicate views and descriptions of the design.
- Examination of Application: Upon filing, the application is examined by the IPO and formalities are completed. The examiner revisits the requirements that must be fulfilled for registration with reference to the design presented.
- Publication and Registration: When the application is granted, the design is advertised in the official design journal. In case of non-objection, the design is registered, which means the applicant receives exclusive rights of ownership over the design.
The process of design patent registration in India often takes several months, and the delay may occur in stages. However, completing some optional steps can help the process be as fast as possible.
Tips to Speed Up the Design Patent Filing Process in India
It is always important to protect any creative creation through the filing of a design patent in India. However, the process can be discouraging. It is necessary to do everything right and turn to experts. This section shows key tips to help speed up the design patent filing process in India:
- Work with expert patent consultants
Hiring an experienced patent consultant is the best way to speed up your design patent filing process. Experienced patent experts are well-versed in each and every step. They can help you draft your application correctly and avoid common errors. Moreover, they also know which important documents are needed and prepare their list in advance.
- Ensure proper documentation
While applying for the design patent, your application quality plays an important role. It helps quickly get the application done. Make sure that all your requested documents are placed properly. In this, your design should be detailed and clear. This design helps the examiner to assess your application more carefully. However, if you have incomplete documents, then there is a high chance of getting rejected in the patent filing process.
- Consult Professional Patent Agents
There is another way to make the process of your design patent registration shorter, which is to engage the services of professional patent agents. These agents, who the Indian Patent Office recognises, have the capacity to file applicants and represent them. They are experienced in completing any forms and defending against any objections that may be made in the examination phase. A patent agent will ensure that your application is done well and within a short time so that you do not waste much time.
- File Multiple Design Patents
If you have several designs that you wish to guard, you may click on several applications rather than waiting to file one extensive application. Filing different applications for each design enables the IPO to handle each design separately. It also saves time that could have been used to register each design separately.
- Go for a pre-filing search
Well, after following the advice tips, there is one more thing to go with the pre-filling search. Yes, before filling out your design patent application, ensure to conduct a pre-filling survey. It helps you to avoid filing an already registered patent in the process.
Moreover, it also saves your time and resources. You can do this by engaging with highly experienced patent companies or patent consultants. They can also increase the chance of your application and a speedy registration process.
Conclusion
Getting a design patent filed in India can be a lengthy process. But if you have the correct strategy and the right help, the process can be significantly shortened. You can still improve the speed of design patent registration by involving patent consultants, agents, or companies, proper documentation, prior art search, electronic filing, and proper and quick response to objections.
If you are a business owner or an innovator who wants to safeguard your ideas, then Intellect Bastion provides professional design patent filing and registration. Our qualified staff is always ready to help and accompany you through the entire process of filing and registration. So, get in touch with us today and get started on your design patent registration!
