Do you think designs are just for fashion or gadgets? Think again. When people hear the term “Industrial Design,” they often think of phone cases, handbags, or consumer electronics. But in Indonesia, protection for Industrial Design extends far beyond tech and fashion. From minimalist lounge chairs to futuristic bathtubs and even ornate lighting fixtures, furniture and home décor are eligible for protection under Indonesia’s Industrial Design Law.
For interior, furniture, and lifestyle brands targeting Southeast Asia’s largest consumer market, registering your designs isn’t just possible — it’s essential.
Why Furniture Design Matters in Indonesia
Indonesia has seen a steady rise in Industrial Design awareness and filings over the past five years. Applications climbed from 2,319 in 2017 to a record-breaking 3,533 in 2022. This growth reflects not only increasing local awareness but also foreign interest in protecting design assets in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets for manufacturing and retail.
As consumer tastes evolve and visual identity becomes a powerful sales driver, furniture designers need to protect what sets their products apart: shape, contours, lines, textures, and aesthetics.
Tips to Get Your Furniture Design Approved
Despite the growing support for design protection, improperly submitted applications are still rejected, often due to technical errors in how the design is presented. The Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) has strict guidelines for how Industrial Design applications should be illustrated.
If you’re filing a furniture design (or any large, 3D product), follow these 8 key visual submission rules to avoid costly rejections:
- Avoid Mixed Features
Don’t combine multiple styles, colors, or versions in a single design submission.
- Use a Neutral Background
Design representations must be shown on plain, uncluttered backgrounds — no textures, shadows, or staging.
- Exclude Irrelevant Elements
Only the intended design should appear. Remove props, logos, or any decorative items not part of the design.
- Submit One View Per Image
Provide one clear view per image: front, back, left, right, top, bottom, and perspective. No composites or collages.
- Upload Magnified Views Separately
If you include zoomed-in details, upload them as individual images, not overlays.
- Disclaim Unregistered Features
If some elements of your design aren’t meant to be protected, disclaim them consistently across all views.
- Show the Full Product Too
If you’re submitting disassembled components (e.g., parts of a modular chair), include a full assembled version.
- For 2D Patterns, Show Them Alone
If your design is a surface pattern (e.g., wood grain or textile texture), don’t show it applied on furniture — submit it as a stand-alone flat image.
Bottom Line: If It Has Shape, It Can Be Filed
Whether you’re a boutique design studio or a global interior brand, protecting your creations in Indonesia gives you more than just legal peace of mind — it gives you the competitive edge. With over 270 million potential customers and a vibrant, design-conscious market, the value of your visual IP only increases over time.
Have a new piece ready for market? Make sure your design documents are clean, compliant, and enforceable — before someone else copies your style.
Need help filing your design in Indonesia? Book a free 15-minute call with a registered Industrial Design consultant and ensure your design meets all local requirements:
📩 E-Mail : [email protected]
📞 Book a Call : +62 21 83793812
💬 WhatsApp : +62 812 87000 889
