India’s patent applications have more than doubled in a decade, trademarks increased 2.5-fold & design filings grew over threefold.
Types of IPR
- Patent: It is an exclusive right granted for an invention for a limited period of time, generally 20 years.
- Trademark: It is a sign capable of distinguishing goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises.
- Industrial Design: It constitutes the aesthetic or ornamental aspect of a product.
- Geographical Indication: Sign used on products that possess qualities or reputation due to a specific geographical origin.
- Copyright: Rights that creators have in their literary, artistic and scientific works.
Global treaties & protocol for IP Rights (IPR) filing
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), 1970: It is an international treaty under aegis of WIPO, with 158 Contracting States including India.
- It seeks patent protection for an invention simultaneously in each of the member countries by filing single international patent application.
- Madrid Protocol for Trademark Registration, 1989: Establishes Madrid System, administered by WIPO, for registering and managing trademarks worldwide.
- It has 115 members, covering 131 countries, including India.
- Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs 1925: Establishes Hague System, allowing industrial designs to be protected in multiple countries or regions.
- India is not a member.
