HYDERABAD: Dr Rambabu Muppidi, senior faculty at the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), has secured his 30th Indian design patent for a contemporary leather accessory inspired by the traditional Indian 'Potla', which is another entry to a body of patented craft-based product designs from the Telugu states.

The patent for the "Leather Bag (Potla)" was granted by the Indian Patent Office on May 8, and published in the Indian Patent Office Journal. The design was registered on March 7 this year.

The bag reworks the old drawstring pouch into a leather fashion accessory using sculptural folds, gathered structures and rounded balloon-shaped forms inspired by paper-folded groundnut packets commonly seen in Telangana villages. Punch-hole detailing and pattern construction techniques were also used in the design.

Dr Muppidi said, "The product came from observations of rural forms and everyday craft practices. The design was created as a modern utility accessory while retaining cultural references connected to traditional Indian craft forms."

The patent lists Dr Muppidi as first author, Mattagunja Anirudh as second author and Vanaja K. as the third author.

Dr Rambabu has filed 52 designs so far, out of which 30 have received grants. His earlier patented works include 'Toy Robo', a product developed around simplified toy-making forms and children's engagement.