If you’re planning to file an industrial design in Indonesia, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes when filing industrial designs that many foreigners make. Overlooking these pitfalls can lead to rejected applications or even invalid design rights after registration. This article covers the top 5 mistakes foreign applicants often encounter and how to steer clear of them.
1. Submitting Blurry or Low-Quality Images
Clear visuals are the foundation of design protection. Indonesia’s Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) requires images of your design from seven angles, front, back, left, right, top, bottom, and perspective.
If your images are blurry, low-resolution, or don’t clearly show the design details, your application might get rejected right away.
Tip: Use high-resolution black-and-white line drawings. Avoid shadows or backgrounds that confuse the view. Make sure your design stands out clearly!
2. Including Functional Features Instead of Design Elements
Industrial design protection in Indonesia covers only the appearance of the product, not its function. If your design includes parts that exist solely for functional reasons—like holes or grooves needed for the product to work—these probably won’t be accepted.
Before filing, ask yourself “Could this shape be different and still work the same?” If not, leave that part out of your design drawings.
3. Filing After Public Disclosure — Without Knowing the Grace Period Rules
Many think once a design is publicly disclosed, it’s too late to file. But Indonesia actually offers a 6-month grace period for certain cases, such as:
If your design was displayed at a nationally or internationally recognized exhibition, or
If you, as the designer, disclosed the design for education, research, or development purposes.
If you fit these conditions, you still have six months to file without losing your rights.
Tip: Don’t wait too long after public disclosure. Check if you qualify for the grace period and file your application ASAP.
4. Misunderstanding Procedures and Supporting Documents
Every country has different rules about the paperwork needed. In Indonesia, you must provide things like power of attorney, official translations, and make sure your images meet formatting requirements.
Incomplete or incorrect documents often cause applications to be rejected.
5. Not Using Professional Consultation Services
A lot of foreigners try to handle the filing themselves without fully understanding local regulations. But a small mistake can cost you time, money, and even your design rights.
Hiring a consultant who knows Indonesian rules and has experience can help you navigate the process smoothly.
Don’t Let Simple Mistakes Cost You Your Design Rights
Indonesia is a big market with strong potential for industrial design protection. But if you’re not careful, you could lose out on this opportunity.
Understanding the mistakes when filing industrial designs is key to protecting your work properly.
If you need help making sure your application goes through smoothly and follows Indonesia’s rules, AMR Partnership is here for you. Consulting with us could be the key to securing your design rights successfully.
