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Bhutan’s first industrial design certificate

21 December 2009

Economic Affairs Secretary hands over Bhutan's first industrial design certificate to Kinzang WangdiThe Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs handed over the first industrial design certificate to the creator on December 14 in Thimphu.

Kinzang Wangdi was the first person to receive the industrial design certificate after the Industrial Designs Registry became operational on May 1, 2009. Two of his designs were approved and registered, which means he will have the right to the designs. He is now assured an exclusive right against unauthorized copying or imitation of the design by third parties.

Under the Industrial Property Act 2001, an industrial design must be registered in order to be protected. To be registered, the design must be “new” or “original”. Once a design is registered, a registration certificate is issued. Following that, exclusive rights are granted for a period of five years, renewable for another two periods of 5 years each.

Industrial designs are applied to a wide variety of products such as watches, jewellery, luxury items, house wares, electrical appliances, vehicles, textile designs, and leisure goods.

Kinzang Wangdi registered the designs of his tables with the Industrial Designs under the Intellectual Property Division, Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2007.

Originally from Mongar, the 50-year-old man has designed some 40 different foldable wooden tables, which are made without using any nails. Apart from tables, he also designs decorative items such as photo frames and flower pots.

The former policeman first started with a small foldable table for himself to keep his religious texts on when he was undertaking some religious practices in 2005. He then redesigned the table, improving and making it different until he had a lot of designs.

His friends and families started showing interest in his designs and even offered to buy the tables. That is when he thought of starting a furniture business because he saw a good opportunity there. “I have gifted some but never sold any until now,” said Kinzang, who wanted to have the rights to the design so that others would not produce the same.

His furniture is for sale now at Gandrup Furniture House in Bjemina, Thimphu. The lowest price of a table is Nu 855 and the most expensive one costs Nu 3,555.

Centre tables, side tables, and dining tables are available at the furniture house, which are all foldable. Kinzang said that this kind of furniture occupy less space and are convenient while travelling.

By Tandin Pem

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Posted by Bhutan Observer · Filed Under About Town 

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