Hyderabad designer files for over 50 design patents

Metro India News | Hyderabad  

Dr. Rambabu Muppidi, an academician, researcher and designer, has emerged as a notable contributor to craft-based product design and intellectual property development in India. With more than 50 industrial design filings to his credit, several of which have already been registered, his work reflects a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design innovation.

His designs cover a diverse range of craft-inspired products such as leather accessories, toys, jute products, wooden crafts, palm baskets and creative robo toys. These designs are protected under the Designs Act, 2000, and some of them have already been granted and licensed, while others are expected to be taken up for future licensing and manufacturing collaborations.

Dr. Rambabu’s interest in craft traditions is rooted in his family background. His grandfather, Muppidi Venkayya, was a skilled palm-thread product designer who produced and sold handmade items in rural markets, while his father, Muppidi Venkanna, was involved in collecting natural materials used in craft production. His brother, Muppidi Srinivasarao, a stone sculptor from Jangareddigudem in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, also influenced his artistic journey.

He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University in Hyderabad and later pursued a Master of Design in Fashion and Accessories Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Mumbai. He also completed M.Phil research on rural craft traditions focusing on Kondapalli toy artisans and earned a PhD with a Gold Medal in Handicrafts History from the same university.

Dr. Rambabu advocates integrating traditional craft skills with modern digital technologies such as CAD and CAM to help rural artisans develop market-oriented products and strengthen sustainable livelihoods.