A design registration is a form of legal protection that secures the unique visual features of a product, including its shape, pattern, and ornamentation. This exclusive right not only differentiates a product in the marketplace but also prevents unauthorized replication of its aesthetic appeal. It serves as a valuable asset by safeguarding the original creative expression embodied in the design.

An application for design registration should be filed once the design has been finalized and before it is publicly disclosed or commercialized. Early registration is essential to preserve the novelty of the design and to establish clear priority over similar submissions. This proactive step helps in securing legal protection and deterring potential infringements right from the outset.

Registering a design is important because it provides legal recourse against imitation, enhances the commercial value of the design, and strengthens the brand identity of a product. Both individual designers and corporate entities can file for design registration, provided that the design meets the criteria of originality and aesthetic distinctiveness as set out by the relevant laws.