Daily Current Affairs : 20-March-2024
India is making huge updates to its patent legal guidelines, mainly through the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024. This alternate, announced by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Indian Patent Office, ambitions to improve the patent software manner and help innovation.
What is a Patent?
A patent is a unique proper granted by the authorities to inventors. It lets in them exceptional manipulate over their inventions, that means nobody else could make, use, or promote their invention with out permission. Typically, a patent lasts for two decades. To be eligible for a patent, an invention ought to satisfy sure criteria:
- Novelty: It have to be new and now not recognized to the public.
- Inventive Step: It should be a non-apparent improvement over current merchandise or strategies.
- Industrial Applicability: It must be beneficial in a few type of enterprise.
Key Changes in the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024
The new rules convey several crucial adjustments:
Revised Due Date for Examination Requests
The closing date for filing a Request for Examination (RFE) has been shortened from 48 months to 31 months from the earliest precedence date.
Simplified Form Submission
Applicants now need to post details of corresponding packages on Form 3 handiest two times as opposed to multiple instances.
Certificate of Inventorship
A new certificates will renowned and honor the contributions of inventors inside the patent technique.
Renewal Fee Reduction
A 10% reduction in renewal fees is to be had if bills are made earlier electronically for as a minimum four years.
Reduced Filing Frequency
Applicants will now report statements about the running of patents handiest as soon as each three economic years, in preference to yearly.
Empowered Controller
The Controller can now extend time limits and condone delays for up to six months, providing more flexibility to candidates.
Amendments in Opposition Procedures
The time frame for submitting hints and responses related to competition has been adjusted for performance.
Achievements in Indian Patent System
India’s efforts in strengthening its patent gadget have shown tremendous consequences:
- The us of a has ratified the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Over 100,000 patents were granted among March 2023 and March 2024.
- There has been a sizeable increase in Geographical Indication registrations, copyright registrations, and design registrations.
- The Trade Marks Registry is now dedicated to issuing exam reports inside 30 days of receiving programs.
- The National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) has educated over 24 lakh youths in intellectual assets rights over the past two years.
Important Points:
- Patent Definition: A patent grants exclusive rights to inventors, allowing them control over their inventions for 20 years.
- Eligibility Criteria for Patents:
- Novelty: Invention must be new and not publicly known.
- Inventive Step: Should be a non-obvious improvement over existing products.
- Industrial Applicability: Must be useful in industry.
- Key Changes in the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024:
- Revised Due Date: Request for Examination (RFE) deadline reduced from 48 months to 31 months.
- Simplified Form Submission: Form 3 needs to be submitted only twice.
- Certificate of Inventorship: New certificate recognizing inventors’ contributions.
- Renewal Fee Reduction: 10% discount on fees if paid electronically in advance for four years.
- Reduced Filing Frequency: Statements on working patents required once every three years.
- Empowered Controller: Authority to extend deadlines and condone delays up to six months.
- Amendments in Opposition Procedures: Adjusted timelines for submissions related to opposition.
- Achievements in the Indian Patent System:
- Ratified the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Over 100,000 patents granted between March 2023 and March 2024.
- Significant increase in Geographical Indication, copyright, and design registrations.
- Trade Marks Registry committed to issuing reports within 30 days.
- NIPAM has trained over 24 lakh youths in intellectual property rights.
Why In News
India has announced progressive changes in the Patents Rules, 2003 (under the Patents Act 1970) through the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024, notified by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Indian Patent Office. These updates aim to streamline the patent application process and enhance support for innovation in the country.
MCQs about Progressive Changes in India’s Patent Rules
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What is the primary purpose of the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024?
A. To increase the duration of patents
B. To simplify the patent application process
C. To eliminate the need for patents
D. To raise patent fees
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Which of the following is a new feature introduced in the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024?
A. Extended patent duration to 25 years
B. Introduction of a Certificate of Inventorship
C. Annual renewal fees doubled
D. Mandatory in-person application submissions
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How has the timeline for filing a Request for Examination (RFE) changed under the new rules?
A. Extended from 31 months to 48 months
B. Shortened from 48 months to 31 months
C. Remains unchanged
D. Increased to 60 months
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What significant achievement has India accomplished in its patent system between March 2023 and March 2024?
A. Increased number of patent fees
B. Granting of over 100,000 patents
C. Decreased number of intellectual property training sessions
D. Elimination of geographical indications
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