Telugu designer creates record with 30 patents

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Dr. Rambabu Muppidi has been recognized for securing one of the highest numbers of individual design patents among designers and academicians from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The senior faculty member at the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) recently secured his 30th Indian Design Patent for an innovative “Potla” leather bag inspired by traditional Telangana paper-folding techniques.

The patented design transforms the rural “potla” pouch shape into a contemporary leather accessory using sustainable and functional design methods. Inspired by paper wraps traditionally used for packing groundnuts in Telangana villages, the bag incorporates sculptural folds, punch-hole detailing, and rounded forms aimed at reducing production wastage while preserving cultural identity.

Dr. Rambabu Muppidi holds a Ph.D. in Handicrafts History from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University and received a Gold Medal for academic excellence. He completed his M.Des. from the National Institute of Fashion Technology and M.Phil. from Gandhigram Rural Institute.

Born into a bamboo artisan family in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, he has focused on preserving traditional and dying art forms through design innovation and intellectual property awareness for artisans. FDDI supported his innovation and research activities, particularly Dr. Tej Lohith Reddy, Executive Director of Hyderabad Campus, and Soundareshan, Executive Director of Chennai Campus.

He also acknowledged the support of Lepakshi Handicrafts, APMSME leadership, Vishwa, Lakshminath, and his brother Muppidi Srinivasarao.