Copyright vs Design Registration
Copyright vs Design Registration — protecting the look of your products
Overview
Copyright and Design Registration both protect visual creations, but they apply to different contexts. Copyright automatically protects artistic works. Design Registration under the Designs Act 2000 protects the visual appearance of industrial products — shapes, patterns, ornamentation.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Copyright | Design Registration | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| What It Protects | Original artistic works, literary works, software | Visual appearance of industrial articles | Tie |
| Registration Required | Automatic — registration optional | Mandatory registration for protection | A wins |
| Duration | Lifetime + 60 years | 10 years (renewable once for 5 more years) | A wins |
| Protection Ends When? | 70+ years after author's death | After 15 years total | A wins |
| Applies to Mass-Produced Articles? | Copyright ceases once design is applied to 50+ articles | Specifically for industrially applied designs | B wins |
Data updated for FY 2025–26. Regulations may change — consult a professional before deciding.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Copyright if…
Use Copyright for artistic works — paintings, illustrations, software code, writing, music.
Get CopyrightChoose Design Registration if…
Register a Design for the visual appearance of manufactured articles — furniture shapes, bottle designs, product packaging, fabric patterns.
Get Design RegistrationStill not sure which to choose?
Our experts analyze your business situation and recommend the best structure — free consultation.
Talk to an Expert — FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Copyright vs Design Registration
An artistic drawing is automatically protected by Copyright. However, once you apply that design to 50 or more manufactured articles (furniture pieces), the Copyright protection for the design ends and you must rely on Design Registration.
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