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 Indi
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.
