Tatkal to fast-track patents

In order to streamline the patent regime, the government has modified rules by offering an option of ‘Tatkal’ for expeditious clearance of applications by start-ups or those entities that opt for India as a place for first filing of patent.

The government also plans to significantly cut down the time period for grant of patents to two-and-a-half years immediately and one and a half years by March 2018, from the existing 5-7 years.

As per the modified patent rules, entities can choose the fast clearance route for obtaining patent by paying additional fees if they select India as International Search Authority or Int-ernational Preliminary Examining Authorities and file their applications in India first.

“The move is aimed at popularising India as a patent filing hub so that more companies file applications in India,” said Rajiv Aggarwal, joi-nt secretary, department of industrial policy and promotion.