Indonesia Begins Revising Its Industrial Design Law: What Foreign Businesses Need to Know
Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR RI), through the Special Committee (Pansus) on the Industrial Design Bill, has officially begun discussions with the government regarding the proposed revision of Indonesia’s Industrial Design Law. The amendment is considered an important step toward strengthening national Intellectual Property protection amid the rapid growth of the digital economy and creative industries. According to Franciscus Sibarani, Vice Chairman of the Special Committee on the Industrial Design Bill, the current Industrial Design Law — Law Number 31 of 2000 — is no longer fully aligned with the realities of today’s industries and business environment. Over the past two decades, significant changes have taken place in product development, digital marketing, and commercial practices, creating the need for a more modern and adaptive legal framework for Industrial Design protection. Social Media Creates New Challenges for Industrial Design Protection An important issue highlighted during the discussions concerns the impact of social media and digital publication on the novelty requirement of Industrial Designs. Today, many businesses and designers promote their products through Instagram, TikTok, online marketplaces, and other digital platforms before filing for Industrial Design protection. However, such publications may potentially affect the novelty element, which is one of the essential legal requirements for obtaining Industrial Design rights. As a result, lawmakers are considering regulatory approaches that can accommodate modern promotional practices without weakening the core principles of Intellectual Property protection. Faster Protection Needed for Fast-Moving Industries The discussions also addressed the need for a faster and more adaptive protection system for industries with short commercial cycles, including: Fashion; Handicrafts; textiles; and other creative products. In today’s rapidly changing market environment, trends can evolve faster than traditional legal procedures. A more responsive Industrial Design protection system is therefore considered essential to help Indonesian creative industries remain competitive while securing adequate legal protection for their works. Toward a More Modern Industrial Design System The proposed Industrial Design Bill is expected to create a legal framework that is: Modern; Fair; adaptive to technological developments; and capable of strengthening Indonesia’s creative industry ecosystem. Beyond providing legal certainty, the bill is also expected to encourage innovation, creativity, and Intellectual Property-based economic growth in Indonesia. As an Intellectual Property Law Firm in Indonesia, AFFA assists businesses, designers, and brand owners in protecting their Industrial Designs, including registration strategies, portfolio management, and Intellectual Property protection in Indonesia and internationally. Should you require further information, please feel free to contact us through the channels below to receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation: 📩 E-Mail : [email protected] 📞 Book a Call : +62 21 83793812 💬 WhatsApp : +62 812 87000 889 About AFFA: Established in 1999, AFFA Intellectual Property Rights is an Indonesia-based boutique IP law firm serving international brands and innovators, offering full-service support—from prosecution and licensing to enforcement and commercialization—in Indonesia’s dynamic IP landscape. Our firm is widely recognized for its excellence, with accolades including “Best Boutique Law Firm in Indonesia” and “IP Enforcement Firm” at the Indonesia Law Firm Awards 2025 by Asia Business Law Journal, as well as being listed as a “Recommended Firm 2024 — Indonesia” by WTR 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. For more information, please visit: www.affa.co.id. Source: – Kompas: RUU Desain Industri, DPR Mulai Bahas Bersama Pemerintah