New Delhi: In a significant development, the Patent Rules, 2024, have been officially notified, marking a pivotal milestone in India’s journey towards fostering innovation and economic development. These rules bring forth several provisions aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining and managing patents, thereby creating a conducive environment for inventors and creators. The move is expected to accelerate the nation’s economic development through science and technology, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat Sankalp.
Among the key highlights of the revamped rules are:
Introduction of ‘Certificate of Inventorship’: A unique provision acknowledging the contribution of inventors in the patented invention.
Streamlined Grace Period Provision: Incorporating a new form, Form 31, to streamline the process of claiming benefits of the Grace period under section 31.
Reduced Time Limit for Examination: With technology evolving rapidly, the time limit for filing a request for examination has been reduced from 48 months to 31 months from the date of priority of the application or from the date of filing, whichever is earlier.
Simplified Extension of Time Limit: The procedure for extending the time limit and condoning delay in filing has been simplified, allowing for extensions up to six months by a request in a prescribed manner.
Reduction in Renewal Fee: A 10% reduction in renewal fee if paid in advance through electronic mode for a period of at least 4 years.
Revised Frequency for Statements of Working: The frequency for filing statements of working of patents in Form 27 has been reduced from once in a financial year to once in every three financial years.
Enhanced Procedure for Pre-grant Representation: The procedure to file and dispose of pre-grant representations under section 25(1) has been streamlined and made more explicit to curb fraudulent oppositions.
The Government’s commitment to enhancing the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem and administration in the country is evident through various statistics:
Patents: India sees one technology seeking IP protection every 6 minutes, with over 1 lakh patents granted in the last year.
Geographical Indications (GIs): A notable surge in GI registrations, with 98 new GIs registered in 2023-24, bringing the total to 573.
Copyrights: A record-breaking number of copyright registrations in fiscal year 2023-24, totalling 36,378.
Designs: The highest number of design registrations recorded in FY 2023-24, along with significant participation in initiatives like Toycathon.
Trade Marks: The Trade Marks Registry committed to issuing examination reports within 30 days of receiving a trademark application.
IP Awareness: Over the past two years, the National Intellectual Property Academy (NIPAM) has offered IP training to 24 lakh youths, covering over 7000 institutions.
The notification of the Patent Rules, 2024, underscores the Government’s dedication to fostering innovation and creativity, paving the way for a more robust IP ecosystem and bolstering India’s economic growth trajectory.
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