Indian Courts Push Back on Design Mimicry in Miniso Case
A recent court case involving Miniso has become an important moment for India’s design ecosystem. Miniso was accused of copying the visual style of another brand’s products. The court clarified that while two objects can share the same function, their form, proportions and user-facing details cannot be so similar that they blur the line between inspiration and imitation. The judgment recognises that design choices carry creative intent and deserve protection. It strengthens the rights of small studios and young designers whose work is often replicated without consequence. India is beginning to treat design as genuine intellectual property, not surface styling. That strengthens the creative economy and encourages companies to invest in originality.
That strengthens the creative economy and encourages companies to invest in originality.