Home | News | Opinion Designing Innovative India Opinion: Designing innovative India Design Law Treaty could catalyse India’s transformation into a global design and manufacturing powerhouse By Telangana Today Published Date - 25 November 2024, 11:59 PM By Dr GR Raghavender On November 22, the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) adopted a historic Design Law Treaty (DLT) in the Diplomatic Conference at Riyadh. The treaty, which aims to harmonise and simplify design registration processes across jurisdictions, is set to create new opportunities for designers worldwide. The regulations adopted, along with the final Act regulations, will provide more detailed guidance on how the DLT will be applied in practice. For India, the DLT is timely, aligning with the country’s ambitions under the Make in India initiative, its ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, and aspiration to become a global manufacturing hub. If India joins this treaty, it will make it simpler, quicker and less expensive for designers worldwide to protect their designs both domestically and internationally. It will also empower designers and promote global design collaboration. The DLT was adopted after 20 years of negotiations, marking a pivotal moment in intellectual property law. It is similar to the Patent Law Treaty (PLT), 2000, and the Singapore Trademark Law Treaty (STLT), 2006. The DLT is primarily a procedural treaty with focus on harmonising the procedures for obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights. This will promote cooperation among national and regional IP offices. The treaty does not directly dictate the substantive rights granted under intellectual property law but significantly impacts the ease and efficiency of obtaining and enforcing those rights. Simplifying Design Protection The DLT focuses on eliminating red tape in design registration and making design protection more accessible and cost-effective. Key provisions include: • Standardise Application Requirements: Establishes a maximum list of indications or elements that designers must submit with an application. This closed list will create a predictable framework for design protection procedures, ensuring designers know exactly what is required. • Flexible Design Representation: Allows applicants to choose how they represent their design in an application, whether through drawings, photographs, or, if accepted by the IP office, video. • Multiple Designs in One Application: Permits applicants to include several designs in a single application, under certain conditions. • Filing Date Requirements: Sets out minimal requirements for granting a filing date. This is crucial because delaying the filing date can result in a definitive loss of rights in the field of design. • Grace Period: Provides a 12-month grace period following the first disclosure of the design during which such disclosure will not affect its validity for registration. • Unpublished Designs: Allows applicants to keep their designs unpublished for at least six months after securing a filing date. • Relief Measures: Offers flexibility to applicants to prevent loss of rights if they miss a deadline. Without such measures, missing a time limit generally results in an irreparable loss of rights. • Simplified Renewal Process: Simplifies the procedure for requesting the renewal of a design registration. • E-filing Systems: Promotes the introduction of e-filing systems for designs and the electronic exchange of priority documents. • Technical Assistance: Ensures the availability of technical assistance to developing and least developed countries for the implementation of the treaty. • Deferred Publication: Gives options for up to six months. Additionally, the DLT explicitly connects design protection with the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions. This includes a provision allowing contracting parties to require applicants to file information on traditional cultural elements. The treaty will enter into force three months after 15 member states join it. India’s Readiness India’s Design Act, 2000, provides the legal framework for protecting novel or original ornamental and aesthetic aspects of designs. While the Act already emphasises innovation and registration efficiency, the DLT adds global relevance by ensuring harmonisation in design registration procedures with international standards. Grace Periods and Deferred Publication, which are key features of the DLT, have to align seamlessly with the Act’s focus on protecting designs. This will enable Indian applicants to benefit from simplified multi-design applications, saving both time and resources. If India joins this treaty, it would make it simpler, quicker and less expensive for designers to protect their designs both domestically and internationally The concept of partial design, as introduced in the DLT regulations, is not explicitly available in the Indian Design Act. However, the flexibility in interpretation and the evolving practices of the Indian Patent Office may allow for the protection of partially original designs in certain circumstances. There is a need to introduce amendments to the Indian Design Act to integrate DLT provisions, along with the requirements of the Hague System that streamlines the process of protecting their designs internationally. This will further enhance India’s ability to protect and commercialise its design innovations globally. Startups and MSMEs India joining the DLT may be a game changer for Indian startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These sectors, which drive much of the country’s design-led innovation, often face challenges in navigating complex IP regimes. Simplified filing procedures and single-application options reduce costs, making IP protection more accessible and cost-effective for small businesses. With streamlined international protections, Indian startups will have global competitiveness in industries like fashion, consumer electronics and healthcare devices, and can confidently expand to global markets. This dovetails with India’s 3rd largest Startup India ecosystem in the world which encourages innovation-driven entrepreneurship. Besides, as India positions itself as a global manufacturing hub, the DLT emerges as a crucial tool to protect indigenous designs and foster a robust innovation ecosystem. India ranks 10th in industrial design filings as per the WIPO’s Global Innovation Index (GII), 2024. Design applications in manufacturing have experienced a significant surge, with a 36.4% increase in 2023, indicating India’s growing focus on creativity, design and innovation across various sectors. Design filings in India are primarily focused on key sectors like textiles and accessories, tools and machines, and health and cosmetics, showcasing India’s strength in both traditional and emerging industries. The ongoing transformation of India’s manufacturing sector is reflected in the surge in design applications, highlighting the country’s focus on product aesthetics, functionality and user experience. India’s industrial design applications are growing, surpassing global IP filing trends. Despite China and the United States dominating in patent and trademark space, India’s competitiveness in product design aligns with global trends. While the DLT brings immense promise, its success in India hinges on effective implementation. IP awareness campaigns are needed to educate designers, businesses and stakeholders about the treaty’s benefits. Digitisation and modernisation of India’s IP offices will ensure the smooth adoption of DLT principles. With the right awareness and policy measures, the DLT could catalyse India’s transformation into a global design and manufacturing powerhouse. This treaty represents more than just IP reform — it is a step toward achieving a more innovative, competitive and prosperous India. (The author is an Intellectual Property Law & Technology expert and retired Joint Secretary, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice; Former Registrar of Copyrights, Copyright Office, Government of India, and India’s Chief Negotiator for the Marrakesh Treaty) Follow Us : Tags Design Law Treaty design registration DLT global design protection Related News BGT 2024-25: India tops WTC standings with dominant 295-run win in Perth Skipper Rohit Sharma hits the nets, to play two-day game in Canberra India on verge of crushing victory over Australia, hosts struggle at 104-5 Mohammed Shami joins Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 Cr in IPL 2025 auction deal#fc188 。

Quest Partners LLC increased its stake in Leggett & Platt, Incorporated ( NYSE:LEG – Free Report ) by 4,511,800.0% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 45,119 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 45,118 shares during the period. Quest Partners LLC’s holdings in Leggett & Platt were worth $615,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LEG. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Leggett & Platt by 93.2% during the 1st quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,930 shares of the company’s stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 931 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its holdings in Leggett & Platt by 76.3% during the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 2,043 shares of the company’s stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 884 shares during the period. nVerses Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Leggett & Platt in the third quarter worth $41,000. CVA Family Office LLC bought a new stake in shares of Leggett & Platt in the second quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp lifted its position in shares of Leggett & Platt by 367.8% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 3,396 shares of the company’s stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 2,670 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.23% of the company’s stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently weighed in on LEG. Piper Sandler raised Leggett & Platt from an “underweight” rating to a “neutral” rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $11.00 to $13.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Leggett & Platt from $11.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Leggett & Platt from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $12.67. Leggett & Platt Stock Performance NYSE:LEG opened at $11.66 on Friday. Leggett & Platt, Incorporated has a 52-week low of $10.11 and a 52-week high of $27.58. The business’s fifty day moving average is $12.69 and its 200 day moving average is $12.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.13, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.48. The firm has a market cap of $1.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.95 and a beta of 1.07. Leggett & Platt ( NYSE:LEG – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 28th. The company reported $0.32 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.33 by ($0.01). Leggett & Platt had a positive return on equity of 14.99% and a negative net margin of 18.53%. The firm had revenue of $1.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.10 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.36 EPS. The company’s revenue for the quarter was down 6.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Leggett & Platt, Incorporated will post 1.05 EPS for the current year. Leggett & Platt Profile ( Free Report ) Leggett & Platt, Incorporated designs, manufactures, and sells engineered components and products in the United States, Europe, China, Canada, Mexico, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Bedding Products; Specialized Products; and Furniture, Flooring & Textile Products. The company offers steel rods, drawn wires, specialty foam chemicals and additives, innersprings, specialty foam for use in bedding and furniture, private label finished mattresses, ready-to-assemble mattress foundations, static foundations, and adjustable beds, as well as machines for producing innersprings; industrial sewing and quilting machines; mattress-packaging; and glue-drying equipment for various industrial users of steel rod and wire, manufacturers of finished bedding, bedding brands and mattress retailers, E-commerce retailers, big box retailers, department stores, and home improvement centers. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LEG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Leggett & Platt, Incorporated ( NYSE:LEG – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Leggett & Platt Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Leggett & Platt and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .MT's 'Nirmalyam': A set-free masterpiece that transformed Keezhekkavu into southern Mookambika

Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH) Shares Sold by MAI Capital ManagementDon't Forget About Holiday Poisoning Pitfalls

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Any Texas or Texas A&M player has heard the lore of the rivalry between the two schools, a grudge match that dates to 1894. But for more than a decade — two generations of college football players — that's all it has been: Ghostly memories of great games and great plays made by heroes of the distant past. That changes this week when one of college football's great rivalries is reborn. Third-ranked Texas (10-1, 6-1) and No. 20 Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2) meet Saturday night for the first time since 2011, with a berth in the Southeastern Conference championship game on the line . “Guys that have been in my position and bleed burnt orange, they have not gotten to play this game,” said Texas fourth-year junior safety Michael Taaffe, who grew up in Austin. “Remember them when you step on Kyle Field.” For Aggies fans, who have carried the misery of Texas' 27-25 win in 2011, getting the Longhorns back in front of a frenzied crowd in College Station is a chance for some serious payback. “I was born and raised an Aggie, so I’ve been dreaming about playing in this game my whole life,” Texas A&M offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III said. Zuhn played high school football in Colorado, but his parents and grandparents attended A&M. At SEC media days back in August, Zuhn said his family would turn Texas gear upside down in stores. He keeps a picture of a longhorn in his room, hanging upside down, of course. “It should be the most amazing atmosphere that I’ve ever experienced,” Zuhn said. "I can’t wait for that, and I feel bad for Texas having to play in that." Texas players said they are ready. “That place is going to be rocking,” Texas senior cornerback Jahdae Barron said. “It's good to go on the road and play in hostile environments.” The Longhorns have overcome big and loud road crowds before. They won at Alabama in 2023. They won at Michigan and Arkansas, another old rival, this year. The Longhorns have won 10 in a row on an opponent’s home field. “When the hate is on us, we love it. We enjoy it,” Taaffe said. But some former Texas players say the current group has faced nothing like what awaits them in College Station. Playing at Texas A&M is more than just noise and a lot of “Horns down” hand signals. The “Aggie War Hymn” fight song calls for Aggies to “Saw varsity’s horns off." Beating Texas is their passion, said former Longhorns All-American offensive lineman Dan Neil, who won at Texas A&M in in 1995. He calls that win one of the best of his career. “I was done showering and getting ready to leave, and their fans were still standing outside the locker room screaming and throwing things,” he said. “The (Texas) players have no idea what they are walking into. They have no clue. No one on that team has walked into that stadium in burnt orange.” The rivalry broke up when Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012. The Aggies have twice finished tied for second but have otherwise found little success there. Texas is in its first year in the SEC and has smashed its way to the top. Texas is the only SEC team with one loss this late in the season, which would make beating Texas that much sweeter for A&M. “The hype is definitely saying it's a rivalry. History says it's a rivalry, but for us, it's the football game we have this week,” Texas senior center Jake Majors said. “It's important for us to not let the environment, the game, get the best of us. ... I get to go out there and play not only for me and my team, but for the guys who came before me, so that's a true honor to have.” Even though the game hasn't been played since 2011, there has always been an element of the rivalry simmering under the surface, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said. Elko is in his first year as the Aggies' coach, but he was the Texas A&M defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher from 2018-2021. “Even though it hasn’t been played, it just doesn’t feel like it’s ever really left the fabric. I really don’t think it’s as removed from the psyche as maybe it feels,” Elko said. “I think our kids are very much aware of what this is all about.” Rieken reported from College Station, Texas. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

When thieves made off with Darcie Bell’s rented U-Haul truck, the San Francisco woman put out a call for help on X: “If you see a 26 foot uhaul truck with the Arizona plate AL50003- would you let me know because it had like everything I own on it.” The post went viral, but not for the reason she hoped for. Bell spent years posting left-wing “defund the police” views — and users across the site blasted and mocked the activist. “Anti Police activist begs the police to help,” jeered the X account Bay State of Mind, which comments on San Francisco Bay Area politics. Tom Wolf, an addiction recovery advocate who has nearly 30,000 followers, posted a screenshot of a previous post in which Bell blasts the San Francisco Police, alongside a screenshot of her recent plea. “Shot. Chaser.” the caption reads. Bell – who goes by Jerque Cousteau on X with a bio saying “will respond to all bad faith arguments w/ad hominem attacks” — is returning fire. Mere hours after she filed a police report, she blasted the police for not immediately locating her stolen possessions. “I haven’t found my s***! The cops didn’t do s***! U-Haul made me file a f****** police report!” she told The Post. “There’s cameras all over this city. They haven’t done s***! ... I just want my stuff back!” To those accusing her of hypocrisy, she insisted she “literally never called the cops” and is re-posting more calls to defund law enforcement, for good measure. U-Haul itself urged her to alert authorities to the theft of their truck. “Please be sure to contact us back to provide the police report to the Equipment Recovery department,” the company’s customer support account urged. As for her critics, she sneered at them. “Look at these good, Christian ‘victim advocates’ celebrating my kids losing their belongings at Christmas,” she fired at the haters in general. Originally published as ‘Defund the police’ activist Darcie Bell goes viral after begging for help when everything she owned was stolen in San FranciscoSanctuary Advisors LLC Acquires New Stake in Marriott Vacations Worldwide Co. (NYSE:VAC)A hamstring injury silenced George Pickens. His Steelers teammates picked up the slack vs. BrownsDevon Conway Skips Third Test for Family's Joy: Mark Chapman Makes Debut

Shares of Summit Materials Inc. ($SUM) dipped more than 1.7% on Monday (11:41 a.m. ET) after the company confirmed its reported acquisition by concrete maker Quickrete for $11.5 billion, pushing down retail sentiment. Quickrete’s all-cash offer of $52.50 per share has been challenged by at least two law firms representing shareholders. However, Summit’s largest shareholder, Cementos Argos, has committed to vote in favor of the deal. Quikrete has also obtained commitment letters for the financing necessary to complete the deal, which is not subject to a financing condition, according to a company statement confirming the transaction. The transaction price represents a 36% premium to Summit's 90-day volume weighted average price and a 29% premium on its share price as of Oct. 23 when talks of the acquisition first emerged. The deal is expected to close in the first half of next year. Morgan Stanley and Evercore are acting as financial advisors to Summit, the statement added. "This combination, and the value it creates, is a testament to our stellar strategic and financial performance, agile operational and commercial execution, and to the strength and talent of our entire team who have delivered a 34.6% annualized return since we began to develop our Elevate strategy on September 1, 2020," Anne Noonan, Summit Materials president and CEO said. Retail sentiment on the stock has turned ‘neutral’ from ‘extremely bullish’ a month ago. Message volumes inched down to the ‘high’ zone from ‘extremely high’ in the same period. The deal will combine Summit's aggregates, cement and ready-mix concrete businesses with Quikrete's concrete and cement-based products. Summit Materials’ stock is up 32.6% year-to-date. For updates and corrections email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.

Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picksMarriages between first cousins could be banned in UK under new proposal