Indian Patent Process to be Streamlined – Need of the Hour !!

Source: www.ipindia.nic.in

In a recent interview with the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri CR Chaudhary, clarified that approximately 2.32 lakh patent applications are still pending with the Indian Patent Office.

It was affirmed that the pendency of such large number of patent applications is primarily due to shortage of technical manpower with the IPO.  

He further added that while overcoming the pendency, several prominent measures have been taken to streamline the patent process in India and make it more user friendly.

As recently as late last year, the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) also started a SMS alert facility for the applicants and patent agents in respect of patent applications, wherein they will be receiving alerts notifying them of the progress of the applications at various stages of processing. The CGPDTM, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said the alerts will also inform the applicants about timelines and deficiencies which may lead to refusal or abandonment of application.

However, in order to avail the aforesaid facility, applicants and agents are requested to update their mobile numbers in the address for service for applications. For more details about the Official Press Release click here.