Recently, Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry informed the Lok Sabha that highest growth was observed in Geographical Indications (GI) with a 380% increase, followed by Designs, Patents, Copyright, and Trademarks.
- This surge is largely driven by strategic reforms to enhance Intellectual Property (IP) activities and foster innovation and boost IP filing in India.
Government Initiatives to foster IP activities
- Procedural reforms: Fixing of timelines for grant of patents, reduction of number of forms (from 74 to 8) for registration of Trademarks, etc.
- Fee concessions: 80% Fee Reduction in Patents for Startups, MSMEs, and Educational Institutions; 75% Fee Reduction in Designs for Startups, and MSMEs; etc.
- Digitalization: IP Dashboard to provide real- time comprehensive data on IP applications, AI-powered Trademark Search Technology for a more efficient and accurate examination of Trade Mark applications, etc.
- Programmes and schmes: National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM), IPR Internship Programme, Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme, National Intellectual Property (IP) Awards, etc.
- International standards: Adoption of International classification under Locarno Agreement for Industrial Designs.
- Locarno agreement is an international agreement under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) signed in 1968.
