Chapter II - Registration of Designs
Section 10
Section 10: Register of designs
The patent office keeps the register of design proprietors and assignments, and its entries have prima facie evidentiary value.
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Need advice on Section 10?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Designs Act, 2000 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) There shall be kept at the patent office a book called the register of designs, wherein shall be entered the names and addresses of proprietors of registered designs, notifications of assignments and of transmissions of registered designs, and such other matter as may be prescribed and such register may be maintained wholly or partly on computer, floppies or diskettes, subject to such safeguards as may be prescribed.
(2) Where the register is maintained wholly or partly on computer floppies and diskettes under sub-section (1), any reference in this Act to any entry in the register shall be construed as the reference to entry so maintained on computer floppies or diskettes.
(3) The register of designs existing at the commencement of this Act shall be incorporated with and form part of the register of designs under this Act.
(4) The register of designs shall be prima facie evidence of any matter by this Act directed or authorized to be entered therein.
Introduction
Section 10 specifies the design register, its proprietor and assignment entries, and its evidentiary status. A business checking ownership should distinguish the register entry from the underlying transaction documents.
Key takeaways
Statutory scope
Section 10 specifies the design register, its proprietor and assignment entries, and its evidentiary status. A business checking ownership should distinguish the register entry from the underlying transaction documents.
What to check
Search the register for the design and recorded proprietor.
Apply the section
Search the register for the design and recorded proprietor.
Compare any assignment or transmission entry with the transaction documents and effective dates.
Illustration
A buyer considering a design licence can inspect who is recorded as proprietor and whether a claimed assignment appears in the register.
Practical checklist
Do
- Verify ownership through the register and supporting instrument.
- Retain an official extract or certified record where evidence matters.
Avoid
- Do not treat an unrecorded assertion of ownership as equivalent to a register entry.
Frequently asked questions
What appears in the register?
The section names proprietors’ names and addresses and notifications of assignment or transmission, plus prescribed matters.
Is the register conclusive proof?
Section 10(4) makes it prima facie evidence, not an irrebuttable conclusion.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026