Industrial design rights are a form of intellectual property protection granted to the aesthetic or ornamental aspects of an article. These rights focus on the visual features such as shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation, or composition of lines or colors applied to an article, which in the finished state appeal to and are judged solely by the eye. However, not every aspect of a product or creation qualifies for protection under industrial design law. Certain categories are explicitly excluded because they fall outside the scope of aesthetic consideration or conflict with broader legal and public policy objectives. One of the primary exclusions from industrial design protection is any feature of a design that is purely functional. Industrial design law does not protect the technical or utilitarian aspects of an article. If the shape or configuration of a product is dictated solely by its function, it cannot be registered as a design. For instance, the shape of a key designed specifically to fit into a particular lock is determined entirely by its functional requirement. Similarly, the grooves and ridges on a screw or bolt serve a mechanical purpose, and their design is essential for performance rather than aesthetic appeal. Such features may instead be eligible for patent protection if they meet the criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Another category that cannot be protected is designs that are not new or original. Novelty is a fundamental requirement for industrial design protection. If a design has been disclosed to the public anywhere in the world before the filing date, it loses its novelty and becomes unprotectable. For example, if a company attempts to register a bottle shape that is already commonly used in the beverage industry, such as a standard cylindrical water bottle, the application will be rejected due to lack of originality. Similarly, copying a traditional or well-known design pattern, such as commonly used floral motifs in textiles, without any significant modification, would not qualify for protection. Designs that have been previously published or publicly used are also excluded. Publication can occur through various means, including advertisements, exhibitions, online platforms, or