Design Registration Fees in India 2026: Official Costs for Startups and MSMEs
Founders often hear wildly different numbers for design registration, anywhere from ₹1,000 to ₹25,000. Both can be "right", because the official government fee is small while professional fees vary. This guide separates the design registration fees you must pay to IP India from optional costs, so you can budget accurately for one design or a whole product range.
Official Design Registration Fees
| Action | Natural person / startup / small entity | Others (large entity) |
| Application for registration (per design) | ₹1,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Extension of term (renewal for extra 5 years) | ₹2,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Restoration of a lapsed design | ₹1,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Petition for cancellation | ₹1,500 | ₹6,000 |
| Notice of opposition / related notices | ₹200 | ₹400 |
| Notice of intention to attend hearing | ₹500 | ₹2,000 |
Source: First Schedule, Designs Rules, 2001, as amended in 2021. Check ipindia.gov.in for any later revision before filing.
Who Qualifies for the Lower Fee?
Individuals
Any natural person applying in their own name pays the reduced design registration fee, whether they are a freelance designer, an artisan or a sole proprietor.
Startups
DPIIT-recognised startups pay the reduced fee. Keep the recognition certificate ready, as the Patent Office may ask for proof of startup status with the design application.
Small Entities
Enterprises that qualify as micro or small under the MSMED Act pay the lower fee. A Udyam registration certificate is the usual supporting document for small entity status.
Others
Medium and large companies, and anyone not falling in the above categories, pay the standard fee, which is four times the reduced amount for most design actions.
Total Cost of Design Registration: Realistic Budget
| Cost item | Startup / MSME | Large company |
| Official filing fee | ₹1,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Professional drawings (if needed) | ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 per design | Same |
| Prior-art search (optional) | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 | Same |
| Agent / attorney filing fee | ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 |
| Objection reply (if raised) | ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 | Same or higher |
| Typical total | ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 | ₹10,000 to ₹35,000 |
Professional costs are market estimates and vary by firm and design complexity. Only the official fee is fixed by law.
How to Save on Design Registration Fees
- Get the lower fee category: DPIIT startup recognition and Udyam registration cut the official fee by 75%.
- File yourself for simple designs: Many applicants file directly on the IP India portal, though an agent helps with complex cases.
- Invest in drawings: Good representations prevent objections, which are the main source of extra cost.
- Search before filing: A search avoids paying for an application likely to be refused for lack of novelty.
- Use available reimbursement: Some central and state schemes reimburse IP costs for MSMEs. Check the StartupFlora Government Schemes Dashboard.
Renewal and Restoration Costs
The first term lasts 10 years. To get the additional 5 years, pay the extension fee (₹2,000 or ₹8,000) before the 10-year term expires. If you miss it, the design lapses, but you may apply for restoration within the allowed period by paying the restoration fee and showing the lapse was unintentional.
Fee Example: Product Line Launch
A D2C home-décor startup (DPIIT-recognised) wants to protect 5 lamp designs.
- Official fees: 5 × ₹1,000 = ₹5,000
- Drawings: 5 × ₹2,500 = ₹12,500
- Agent filing: 5 × ₹4,000 = ₹20,000
- Estimated total: ₹37,500 (before any objection replies)
The same filing as a large company would cost ₹15,000 more in official fees alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the government fee for design registration in India?
₹1,000 per application for individuals, startups and small entities, and ₹4,000 for others.
Do startups get a discount on design registration fees?
Yes. DPIIT-recognised startups pay the reduced fee of ₹1,000 per application instead of ₹4,000.
What is the renewal fee for a registered design?
The extension fee for the additional 5 years is ₹2,000 for individuals, startups and small entities and ₹8,000 for others.
Can MSMEs pay the lower design fee?
Yes. Enterprises qualifying as small entities, usually shown through Udyam registration, can pay the reduced fee.
Why do professional quotes for design registration vary so much?
Because they bundle official fees, drawings, searches, filing and objection handling differently. Ask for an itemised quote.
Conclusion
The official design registration fee is low, especially for startups and small entities. The real cost depends on drawings, searches and objection handling, so budget for those and invest where they prevent objections.
Read our complete design registration in India guide, or contact the StartupFlora team for help protecting your designs.