Introduction On 15th March 2024, the Indian Patent Office (IPO) published the Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Notably, Rules 137 and 138—relating to the Controller’s powers to condone procedural irregularities and extend deadlines were significantly amended. These changes clarify which specific irregularities can now be condoned by the Controller and which deadlines are eligible for extension. […]
Trademarks in India are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and administered through the Trade Marks Registry under the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). Each year, the CGPDTM publishes a comprehensive Annual Report, offering key insights into the operational health of the trademark system. The 2023–24 Annual […]
The Indian Intellectual Property Office recently released its Annual Report for the year 2023-2024, providing valuable insights into design registration activity in India. This article highlights key trends, policy updates, and institutional efforts aimed at promoting design innovation and streamlining administrative processes. Design registration in India is governed by the Designs Act, 2000, and the […]
Introduction Over the last year, patent applicants and attorneys in India have noticed a shift — the Indian Patent Office seems to have slowed down. Despite record-breaking numbers in 2023–2024, the number of First Examination Reports (FERs)1, hearing notices, and grants issued in 2024–2025 has dropped sharply. At first glance, this trend might appear to […]