What Is a Design Search?

A design search in India refers to the process of checking existing registered or published industrial designs under the Designs Act, 2000 and related rules to see whether your new shape, pattern, decoration or configuration is novel and registrable. These searches can also help you assess infringement risk by identifying similar designs already registered or pending.

In essence, it is a due-diligence step before you file for design registration. A full search covers official government databases (for example at the Design Wing of the Patent Office (Kolkata)) and may include external databases, commercial tools and competitor products.

 

Why Every Innovator Should Do a Design Search in India

• Avoid Rejection: A design application might be refused if a prior identical or obviously similar design already exists. A thorough search lowers that risk.
• Prevent Infringement: Some existing registered designs might block your ability to commercialize a new product. Early identification helps you pivot or redesign.
• Strategic Filing: Findings from the search inform whether to file immediately or refine the design, saving cost and time.
• Strengthen Asset Value: A clean design search supports portfolio development, licensing, market entry and increases the value of the design as a business asset.

 

Our Two-Tier Service for Design Search in India

In-House Quick Design Search

For clients seeking a fast, cost-effective option, we perform an in-house search using internal tools and publicly available databases. Ideal for early-stage product development, our in-house design search in India gives you an indication of risk and white-space within 1–2 business days.

Official Full Design Search Request

For higher certainty before filing, we file an official design search request with the Design Office, Patent Office Kolkata. This full service covers:

• Official registry check of existing designs under the Designs Act
• Search of classes relevant to your article (Locarno classification)
• Assessment of similarity, scope, ownership and status of prior designs
• Detailed search report with findings, risk assessment and filing recommendation

 

How Our Design Search Process Works

1. Scoping & Briefing – We discuss your article/product and desired design features (shape, configuration, ornamentation) so our team tailors the search strategy.
2. Database & Manual Screening – Using both in-house tools and official registries we screen for identical or visually/structurally similar designs in India and relevant jurisdictions.
3. Report & Recommendation – Delivered in your preferred format, the report shows search findings, risk levels (high/medium/low), visuals of conflicting designs, and best next steps: proceed, redesign or apply with caution.
4. Filing Decision – Based on the search outcome, we can assist you with the design registration in India process if you choose to proceed.

 

What to Expect in the Search Report

The search report will include:

• Scope of search (class, period, jurisdictions)
• List of potentially conflicting designs with registration numbers, date, status
• Visual comparison of your proposed design vs prior designs
• Legal & commercial risk assessment (e.g., similarity likelihood, owner strength)
• Strategic recommendation (file now, modify design, monitor market)

 

When Should You Do a Design Search?

You should conduct a design search in India when:

• You are developing a new product design (shape, ornamentation, or packaging) and plan to file for registration soon.
• You intend to launch your product in India and want to assess clearance.
• You are preparing for licensing or export and want to ensure your design rights are enforceable.
• You are expanding your design portfolio and need to audit existing registrations and gaps.

 

Why Choose ZwapAll IP for Design Search in India

• Specialised team with expertise in design search and registration under the Designs Act, 2000.
• Dual option service: quick in-house check and full official search request with the Design Office, Patent Office Kolkata.
• Actionable deliverables: Our reports are not just lists, they come with commercial insights and filing strategy.
• Efficient turnaround: In-house searches in 1–2 business days; full official searches addressed promptly.
• Integrated support: From search to design registration India filing, we provide end-to-end assistance.

 

A design search in India is a crucial first step in protecting your product’s look and feel. Whether you choose our in-house quick search or a full official search via the Design Office, Patent Office Kolkata, ZwapAll IP ensures you proceed with clarity and confidence. Let us help you turn your product design into a legally protected asset.

Contact us today to start your design search and build a robust design registration strategy in India.