In India, patent filing is governed by the Patents Act, 1970, and managed by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM). To qualify for a patent, an invention must be novel, involve an inventive step, and be industrially applicable. The filing process involves a prior art search, application drafting, and examination by the Indian Patent Office.
The patent process includes several stages, such as publication, examination after a request, and resolution of objections, before granting a patent. However, challenges like long processing times, high costs, and enforcement issues persist, despite recent reforms aimed at reducing fees for startups and incorporating AI and blockchain technology.
India’s patent law supports innovation but requires legal expertise for successful filing. With ongoing reforms, the system is becoming more accessible, and professional assistance is encouraged to navigate the complexities and protect intellectual property effectively.
