What is a Patent?
A Patent is an intellectual property and is the exclusive right granted for Inventions. It is granted by the Government of India to the Patentee for a limited period of 20 years from the date of application. It is provided in exchange for the full disclosure of his/her invention, for excluding others from making, selling, using and importing the patented product or process. The purpose of this system is to encourage innovation, dissemination of technology and development of industries. Patents ensure legal title for the invention for which patent has been granted. Such patents may be extremely valuable to an individual or company and they should make best use of this system by utilizing the invention themselves or licensing it to other companies or selling it to a party who can make use of it. Patent right is territorial in nature. For example, Patent granted in US is not enforceable in India. The inventors or their assignees should file separate patent applications in India through patent agents in India for obtaining patents in India.
An invention to be eligible for the Patent grant should be absolutely novel. A patent search is not mandatory. An experienced Patent agent can help in searching the database or conducting a worldwide search to ascertain whether a product or process or method has already been applied for by another in any country across the globe. Such search results will help him to make necessary modifications to his invention and draft patent specification so that his claims do not overlap the claims of a prior patent applicant or patent holder.
An inventor of a process or product may file an ordinary application in the form of Provisional Application/Provisional Specification if the applicant finds that his invention is not ready. This helps him/her to establish the priority of the applicant over any other person(s) who is likely to file an application for patent in respect of the same invention being developed concurrently. It also helps the applicant to get a maximum period of twelve months to fully develop his invention by himself or with the help of others who are interested in the economic value of the patent before filing the complete specification within twelve months.
An inventor who has his invention ready at the time of application may file a complete specification. As the name specifies a complete specification shall contain details like Title, the field of invention, objectives, advantages, complete description, claims, abstract, drawings, etc. It may take around 2 to 4 years to get a Patent registered in India. An applicant for a patent should comply with all the necessary patent formalities and procedures within the stipulated period. It is pertinent to note that a complete specification should be drafted by a well-qualified and experienced registered patent agent. If the applications are not properly drafted it can encounter objections from the Patent office. Only if such objections are cleared an application will be accepted for patent registration. Similarly, if claims are not properly drafted a patent can be invalidated in the court of law by a competitor. There have been several cases where patents were canceled as it was considered vague by a court of law.
A patent is granted by the Government of India to the Patentee for a limited period of 20 years from the date of application after which it will go into the public domain. A patent has to be renewed from the second year onwards. If he fails to renew the patent within the prescribed period patent shall fall into the public domain and all rights over it shall be lost.
A patent is a very important IP asset that can earn inventor goodwill, name, fame, and money. Patent registration in India is a complicated process and it always better that the applicant avoids filing it by himself. Applicant should entrust the management of his IP assets with a reputed firm having well qualified, experienced patent agents and patent attorneys in India who are specialized and well versed in patent drafting. They can assist you by providing the necessary services like consulting on the patentability of the invention, market potential, patent search, drafting provisional and complete specifications, drafting claims, filing a request for early publication, request for examination, clear objections, attend the hearing, filing annuities and returns/ renewal, help in commercialization, prepare documents for assignment or licensing and provide IP rights enforcement services.
Registration of Patent requires the skill of a specialized professional. It is ideal to employ the services of an experienced Patent Agent though not compulsory. We are all India patent service providers and we provide the following services across India.
As a prominent IP Service provider in India with all facilities and resources we render expert Patent drafting and registration services in India for clients around the world which include individuals, companies, research institutes, universities, law firms, and associations. We perfectly understand the modern-day necessity of patenting innovations as soon as possible and renewing them on time to assert rights over intellectual property like patents. Our team of patent agents and patent attorneys are capable of offering the best legal representation in the event of any dispute.
To know more details fix an appointment with our Patent experts.
What
can be patented in India?
Inventions that
are novel, involve an inventive step, and are capable of industrial application
can be patented.
How do
I apply for a patent in India?
File a patent
application with the Indian Patent Office (Regional offices Eg. Chennai for Southern States), including a detailed description of
the invention and claims defining the scope of the invention.
What is
the difference between a provisional and a complete patent application?
A provisional
application provides a priority date and can be followed by a complete
application within 12 months. A complete application is fully detailed and
ready for examination.
How
long is a patent valid in India?
Patents are
generally valid for 20 years from the filing date.
What is
the patent examination process?
The Indian Patent
Office examines the application to ensure it meets all legal requirements and
that the invention is novel and non-obvious.
Can a
patent be renewed?
Patents cannot be
renewed after their 20-year term, but annual maintenance fees must be paid to
keep the patent in force.
What is
prior art?
Prior art
includes any evidence that your invention is already known, including previous
patents, publications, or public demonstrations.
How can
I check the status of my patent application?
The status can be
checked on the Indian Patent Office’s official website.
What is
patent infringement?
Patent
infringement occurs when a patented invention is made, used, or sold without
the patent holder’s permission.
How do
I enforce my patent rights?
Patent holders
can take legal action against infringers in court.
Can
patents be sold or licensed?
Yes, patents can
be sold or licensed to others, providing additional revenue streams.
What is
the cost of filing a patent in India?
Costs vary depending on the type of application and whether you use legal assistance, the quality and experience of your Patent Agent cum Patent Attorney
How can
I protect my patent internationally?
You can file a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application or file directly in foreign countries after applying it in India
What is
the role of a patent attorney?
Registered Patent
Agents help with the application process and Patent attorneys provide legal
advice, and assist in enforcing patent rights.
Controller of Patents,
Patent Office,
15/27, National Chambers, 1stfloor,
Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 380009
Controller of Patents,
Patent Office,
Intellectual Property Office Building,
G.S.T. Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032
Controller of Patents,
Patent Office,
Intellectual Property Office Building,
CP-2 Sector V, Salt Lake City,
Kolkata-700091
Controller of Patents,
Patent Office,
Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, Antop Hill,
S. M. Road, Mumbai - 400 037
Controller of Patents,
Patent Office,
Intellectual Property Office Building,
Plot No. 32, Sector 14, Dwarka,
New Delhi-110075