How To Do A Patent Search In India?

What is patent search?

Searching of the patent database to determine if there are any patent application similar or identical to an invention that is to be patented is known as “patent search”. This exercise of patent search improves the chances of obtaining a patent registration or to find information about new inventions that have patent protection.

The Indian Patent Advanced Search System (InPASS) is the Indian patent office database which is used to conduct an advanced patent search in India. Introduced on February 27th, 2015, InPASS is an updated version of IPAIRS [Indian Patent Information Retrieval System]. Earlier IPAIRS was utilized to conduct patent search in India. InPASS facilitates a full-text search of all Patent Applications and Indian patents. Additionally, InPASS also has provisions for an inventor/person to conduct a patent search using Boolean Operators or Wild Cards. Conducting a patent search is very important practice before filing a patent application.

Let us analyze various aspect of patent search system provided by Indian Patent Office. The following information will enable the readers to understand the outline of using the Indian patent (advanced) search system for conducting patent searches, checking the register details of patents granted, and also check the patent application status

What is the importance of patent search?

Before filing a patent application, a patent search can help with different objectives like:

Determining the probability of having a patent granted to a proposed invention.
Determining the claims to be filed in the patent application.
Determining the freedom to operate.
Determining whether a granted patent can be invalidated.

Why to conduct a patent search?

Filing a patent is an expensive process. The statutory fee for a basic patent filing can be in a range of INR.5,600 – INR.30,000. Apart from the official fees, a separate fee for patent attorney or agent must be considered. Spending money on a patent, to later find out that the invention was never patentable or it already exists! A comprehensive search avoids these kind of situations and help save resources.

Besides resources, following are few reasons for conducting a search before filing a patent application in India or globally.

A patentability assessment can help an inventor/person understand whether your invention is patentable and if so, how far can it be protected. For example, computer programs are non-patentable subject matter, but computer programs that are manifested in a useful way can be patented.
A patent comprehensive search reveals the prior art in an inventor/person’s field of invention. This information will be helpful while drafting the patent specification. The knowledge of prior art will help you determine if the invention has any value addition over the prior arts. This reduces the chances of rejection by the Patent Office.
If the invention has no value addition then understanding the prior art will help an inventor/person to refine invention so as to make it patentable.
The patent search can also reveal certain companies that are keen on obtaining patents in the field of technology relating to your invention. In such cases, it gives an inventor/person the lead on which companies to contact for licensing of your invention.
Ordinarily, every Applicant wants his patent to become commercial and therefore a source of finances. A patent search not only reveals inventions similar to the invention but also the commercial value of the invention in the economy. Based on this you an inventor/person determine the commercial value of the invention.
Another important reason for conducting a patent search is that while applying for a patent, the applicant needs to describe his entire invention. Even if applicant’s patent gets rejected, the corresponding patent application will be considered as a prior art, open for public domain. This illustrates that competitors can get free access to their hard work. A patent search can avoid such a scenario. Even if the invention is not patentable according to law, an inventor/person can use it as a trade secret and gain revenue.

Types of patent search

Following are the types of patent searches which can be done in the Indian Patent Advanced Search System (InPASS).

Keyword search

First, an individual will have to collect the keywords relevant to the corresponding invention or patent. The keyword search can be used in the search parameters – claims, abstract, title, and specification description. The patent search can be performed using the keywords along with ‘Wild Cards’ and/or ‘Boolean Operators’. The search results will be illustrated in two columns respectively. The left column comprises application number/patent number, title, application date and status will display. Based on the selection of a particular row in the left column, details [Bibliographic information, Specification, and Status of patent application/patent] of the patent application/granted patent will display in the right column. Also an individual can view the following details of Bibliographic data, patent specification, and application/patent status in a respective tab. But, there is a limitation of the number of search results displayed up to 1000 and 25 records per page.

In the ‘Patent Search’ tab, there are two check boxes provided those allow a person to search for either Granted patents or Published applications or both. The person can conduct search after selecting search for patents or patent applications published based on any one of the following search parameters:

Invention title
Publication Number
Publication Date
Publication Type
Application Number
Application Filing Date
Priority Number
Priority Country
Priority Date
Field of Invention
Classification
Inventor Name, Address, Country, Nationality
Applicant Name, Address, Country, Nationality

Applicant name search

The Indian patent search database allows a person to search for patent applications/patents by entering the name of the applicant against the relevant row. The person is supposed to just enter the Applicant’s name and press search. The results will illustrate the title of all inventions published or granted in the name that an individual entered.

Inventor name search

Similar to the applicant name search, an individual can also search the inventor name in the relevant row and the result display.

In addition to the above searches, you interested people can perform various search queries to retrieve the results based on their requirements. People can also read the ‘Help’ provided on the tab to learn more about how to use Boolean operators and Wild cards. People familiar with USPTO patent search or WIPO patent search, can easily conduct the patent search in India.

Patent E-register

The Indian patent search database allows individuals to the check the legal status of the granted patent. In the ‘Patent E-register’ tab, enter the patent number along the displayed code and click to Show E-register. The result will display the legal status of the patent, date next renewal date, and Bibliographic data of patent.

Application status

Similar to patent grant search, the Indian patent search database allows to check the status of the patent application. In the ‘Application Status’ tab, an application number is entered along with the displayed code and click on ‘Show Application Status’. The results illustrate the details of a patent application in the following format i.e. application number, applicant reference number, date of filing, priority date (if any), title of the invention, publication date and status of patent application. Besides, all the documents relevant to the patent application can be viewed in the ‘View Documents’ tab provided at the bottom page of result.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that free patent database (InPASS) allows anybody to conduct a patent search in India, it is important that a person skilled in conducting searches be given the task. The reason being, patent searches involve tedious, repeated searching through various patent literature. An unskilled person would not be able to do justice to the vast number of results to be searched. Any skilled person knows and understands the importance of the claims of a patent. The claims of a patent are of the utmost importance when a similar patent to an inventor’s invention exists; in such a case, a person/inventor must analyze the patent claims to understand the degree of similarity between the patent applications/patents.

Furthermore, a skilled person would be able to build on the strength of patent or on refining your patent so that it does not infringe on other existing art. However, a non-skilled person may not comprehend these concepts and their importance.

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What is Trademark Squatting? Insights into the Legal Battle Over Brand Rights

Trademark squatting refers to the practice where individuals or entities register popular brand names, trademarks, or domain names with the aim of making a profit from them. This practice can pose legal difficulties for legitimate brand owners, as opportunists frequently try to sell these assets back to companies at inflated prices, anticipating that the demand for these names will result in a substantial profit. This issue may not be new, but the evolving digital landscape and the growing significance of online branding have amplified its effects. Understanding Trademark Squatting Trademark squatting involves the unauthorised registration or use of a trademark that closely resembles a well-known brand or business name, with the aim of capitalising on the brand’s reputation. This practice typically takes place in two areas: Trademark Squatting Under Indian Law The Trademarks Act, 1999 regulates trademark matters in India. While it doesn’t directly mention “trademark squatting,” it sets up the legal structure for safeguarding registered trademarks. Indian law provides two primary legal remedies to address the issue of squatting: 1. Trademark Infringement: When a squatter utilises a registered trademark, the legitimate owner has the option to initiate a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement. Courts evaluate aspects such as similarity, the purpose of registration, and any damage inflicted on the original brand. 2. Passing Off: When a brand owner has not registered their trademark, they may pursue a claim of passing off, which is a remedy recognised by common law. The brand owner must show their goodwill and establish that the squatter’s use of the brand leads to confusion for consumers. Furthermore, in situations concerning domain names, India’s .IN Dispute Resolution Policy (INDRP) directly deals with disputes related to .IN domain names, whereas international cases involving generic domains typically come under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). Trademark Squatting and Cybersquatting Trademark squatting and cybersquatting are interconnected concepts, yet they vary in their extent. Trademark squatting involves the misuse of trademarks across various market segments, whereas cybersquatting is focused specifically on internet domain names. Both, however, seek to gain from unauthorised registration, often expecting that the rightful brand owner will repurchase the asset to prevent possible confusion among consumers. Recent Judgment on Trademark Squatting In a recent case involving the domain name JioHotstar.com, the registrant claimed they purchased the domain thinking that Jio (the telecom brand owned by Reliance Industries) and Disney+ Hotstar were likely to come together, based on speculation in various industry circles. They even registered this domain name, assuming that if Jio and Disney merged, Jio could brand it as JioHotstar. The registrant confessed that the aim was to sell the domain to Reliance, stating, “It was a money-making venture to pay for education at Cambridge.” The above explanation notwithstanding, the nature of this cybersquatting case was so textbook (cybersquatting being a specific type of trademark squatting, where instead of a traditional trademark, the focus is on the domain name) that the legal outcome was predictable. In recent years, the judgment of courts globally, including in India, has increasingly emphasized intent in matters related to trademark and cybersquatting disputes. In this case, the registrant’s objective was clearly to profit from a potential merger by flipping the domain back to the brand itself—a motive devoid of any legitimate business interest. This leans towards bad-faith registration, a significant factor that courts examine in cybersquatting cases. In this instance, because JioHotstar.com was not intended to host a legitimate business or service but to be resold for profit, it was categorized as bad faith under section 4(b)(ii) of the policy. Courts generally view such intentions negatively, and if the legitimate brand owner challenges the domain, the domain owner is likely to face difficulty defending their position. The example of *JioHotstar.com* highlights the need for courts to take a firm stand: domains registered with the intent of exploiting brand equity should be invalidated, even if the challenge by the trademark owner is based on their interests. Strategies to Prevent and Address Trademark Squatting Brands can implement proactive measures to steer clear of the difficulties associated with squatting: Conclusion Trademark squatting remains a significant legal challenge for global brands, impacting brand integrity in both online and offline environments. With courts increasingly focused on protecting the rights of trademark owners, cases like JioHotstar.com illustrate how the legal framework discourages attempts to exploit recognised brands for personal gain. Companies can protect their brand and prevent squatters from taking advantage of their intellectual property by actively registering trademarks and monitoring domain names.

November 28, 2024 No Comments

Food Plating and Copyright Protection in India

Food plating — the positioning and presentation of food on a plate has matured into its own craft; showcasing chefs around the globe serving up more than just taste alone. In addition to aesthetics, it sets up your dining experience and reflect the brand identity of a restaurant. Chefs and restaurateurs have resorted to intellectual property (IP) law in different countries around the world, for protecting their unique forms of plating. But in India, copyright law does not allow for food plating to be protected easily: the same is because of two key reasons; firstly, food being highly perishable items and secondly primary purpose of using dishes as they serve a functional role. This article takes a closer look at the intersection of Indian copyright law and food plating, covering eligibility requirements and mechanisms for protection as well as some significant challenges. Copyright Eligibility for Food Plating in India Under the Copyright Act of 1957, copyright protection in India applies to original works of art, literature, music, and more. For a work to be eligible, it generally must meet two main requirements: However, Indian Copyright Law does not automatically deem the plating of food copyrightable. Chefs have no immediate legal protection for their plating, but by photographing it they can at least preserve the creative arrangement in a fixed medium. This approach means the copyright is granted to the photograph or video itself—not the plated arrangement—which still presents some limitations but can deter unauthorized reproduction of the image. Protecting Food Plating in India: Alternative Approaches Despite the challenges, several IP options could provide indirect protection for food plating in India: Key Challenges in Achieving Copyright Protection for Food Plating Even with these alternatives, protecting food plating remains challenging in India for several reasons: Practical Recommendations for Chefs and Restaurateurs For chefs and restaurant owners in India interested in protecting their food plating styles, here are some practical steps that can help: Conclusion Food presentation does not enjoy copyright protection in India, as food is transient (disappearing after a meal), functional, and perishable. Although food plating does not fall under the traditional copyright regime, chefs or restaurateurs can explore other methods—such as photographic copyright, branding protections, contractual protections, and trade dress—to safeguard their culinary creations’ presentation. While these solutions provide some level of protection, they ultimately highlight the issue that, in the Indian legal context, food plating lacks force under copyright law. If chefs hope to protect their plating artistry in India, the key is to focus on brand-building and be inventive with alternative IP protections.

November 11, 2024 No Comments

The principle of ‘Continuous Use’ in Trademark Law

While talking about Trademark law regime, the principle of ‘continuous use’ plays a crucial role in shaping the validity and enforceability of trademark rights. In India, similar to many other jurisdictions, one of the most known ways to establish the exclusive rights over a trademark is through continuous and consistent usage of the mark in commerce or in course of trade. Even if the formal registration is not granted, a trademark can still be protected based on its consistent use in the market. This article explores the principle of continuous use under Indian trademark law, its significance, and how it impacts the protection and enforcement of trademarks. What is the Principle of Continuous Use? The principle of continuous use in trademark law refers to the long and consistent use of a trademark by its owner in the course of trade in business. The continuous and uninterrupted use of the trademark assists in establishing the goodwill and reputation of the brand in the market. The older a trademark, the greater its reputation and goodwill. The Trademarks Act, 1999, acknowledges the importance of continuous use by offering protection to both registered and unregistered trademarks. The primary aim of this principle is to ensure that the rights over a trademark belong to the entity that has genuinely used the mark in commerce over time. The Legal Foundation of Continuous Use in India According to Indian trademark law, Section 34 of the Trademarks Act, 1999, addresses the principle of continuous use, highlighting the concept of “prior use.” This section states that a registered trademark owner cannot prevent any individual or business from continuing to use a mark if they have been using it consistently since before the trademark was registered. This provision is crucial as it emphasises use rather than registration. This means that even if a third party registers a trademark, the party that has been using the mark continuously for the longest time holds superior rights to it. Key Points of Section 34: Importance of Continuous Use 1. Establishing Priority Continuous use plays a crucial role in establishing priority over a trademark. If there is a conflict in rights, the trademark used earlier and without interruption has better rights to claim its use over that of the owner if it contrasts with the registered trademark holder. This is especially relevant in India, where the “first-to-use” principle precedes the common law concept of a “First-to-file”. 2. Preventing Abandonment This continuous use will prevent the trademark from being deemed abandoned. Failure to use a trademark without proper reason over an extended period may lead the authorities to declare it abandoned, and as such lose its rights. According to Indian trademark law, a mark needs to be used continuously in trade so as to retain its enforceability. Failure to do so can open the door for third parties to challenge the ownership of the trademark. 3. Reputation and Goodwill The longer you use a trademark, the more related goodwill and recognition will be gained that are important elements for every brand. A business expands sufficient identity allowing consumers to relate the brand with quality, trustworthiness or in a specific product or service. A trademark that has been used continuously over time under Indian law may qualify as a “well-known trademark” and receive additional protection, even in categories where it is not even directly used. 4. Protection for Unregistered Trademarks In the case of unregistered trademarks, continuous use is especially important. While unregistered marks are not protected under the Indian Trademarks Act, they may still be safeguarded by utilizing English common law rights called “passing off.” In as action of passing off, long time use would help the plaintiff establish that their mark has gathered good will and that the defendant’s use of a similar mark would likely deceive consumers and cause harm to their business. Proving Continuous Use Having continuous use and proving the same are two different things. Mentioned below are the kinds of documents that can be furnished in order to prove the continuous use of a particular trademark: Challenges to Continuous Use While continuous use is a strong principle in Indian trademark law, it does come with certain challenges: Relevant Case Laws The Supreme Court made clear that the rights of prior users are stronger than trademark registration. So just because a trademark is registered does not mean the original user of that domain cannot infringe on your rights. The court decided in Peps’ favour, indicating that a mark can still receive protection even if it is descriptive, provided it has acquired distinctiveness through ongoing use. Conclusion The principle of continuous use serves as a fundamental aspect of trademark law in India, offering protection to businesses that have consistently used their trademarks over the years, regardless of registration status. It ensures that the true owner of a trademark is the one who has consistently utilised it in commerce, rather than simply the one who registered it first. Indian trademark law seeks to promote fairness and preserve the goodwill that businesses build around their brands by emphasising use rather than formal registration. It is essential for both businesses and individuals to consistently use their trademarks in order to protect their rights and avoid potential legal conflicts.

October 28, 2024 No Comments

Work for Hire in the IP World: Copyright and Patents

When it comes to the creation of Intellectual property the concept of “work for hire” plays a pivotal role, especially in the domains of copyright and patent law. This legal principle determines who holds the ownership of intellectual property created in the course of employment or under a contractual agreement. While the idea of “work for hire” may seem straightforward, its implications can be complex and vary significantly between different types of IP, such as copyrights and patents. This article explores the concept of “work for hire” in the context of Indian law and how it affects ownership and rights related to copyright and patents. What is “Work for Hire”? The concept of “work for hire” refers to a situation where a person or entity, typically an employer or contractor, hires an individual (an employee or an independent contractor) to create a specific piece of intellectual property, and as a result, the ownership of the work is automatically assigned to the hiring party. In the Indian IP context, work for hire influences two major areas: 1. Copyrights (for creative works like writings, music, films, software, etc.) 2. Patents (for inventions and innovations). The way “work for hire” operates under Indian law differs slightly in each of these categories, and understanding these distinctions is crucial for creators, employers, and businesses alike. Work for Hire in Indian Copyright Law Legal Framework In India, copyright is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957. Under this Act, the principle of “work for hire” is enshrined in Section 17, which deals with the ownership of copyright. Generally, the author or creator of a work is the first owner of the copyright. However, there are exceptions to this rule, one of the most significant being works created under employment or commission, which are considered “works for hire.” Ownership of Copyright According to Section 17 of the Copyright Act, the employer or commissioning party will be the first owner of the copyright in the following cases: 1. In the Course of Employment: If a work is created by an employee in the course of their employment, the employer is deemed the first owner of the copyright, unless there is an agreement to the contrary. 2. Commissioned Work: If a work is created on commission for a specific purpose, the party commissioning the work will own the copyright unless there is an agreement to the contrary. In the case Khemraj Shrikrishnadass v. M/s Garg & Co., the court addressed the issue of copyright ownership concerning work for hire under Indian law. The court held that in the absence of a contract stating otherwise, when an author creates a work at the request of another party for remuneration, the copyright typically passes to the person who commissioned the work. This reinforces the general principle that unless an explicit contract exists, the employer or commissioner becomes the first owner of the copyright in such works created during employment or as commissioned assignments. Moral Rights Even though the employer or commissioning party owns the copyright, the creator still retains moral rights under Indian law, including the right to claim authorship and prevent modifications that could harm the creator’s reputation. Work for Hire in Indian Patent Law Legal Framework In India, patent rights are governed by the Patents Act, 1970. Unlike copyright, where the work-for-hire principle is relatively clear, patent law presents a more nuanced situation. Ownership of a patent typically depends on the terms of employment and whether the invention was created within the scope of the inventor’s duties. Ownership of Patents There is no automatic “work for hire” rule for patents in India as there is in copyright law. Instead, the inventor is considered the “first owner” of the patent and the ownership of inventions depends on the terms of the employment contract or a specific assignment agreement. This means that while an employee is the actual inventor, ownership of the patent can only be transferred to the employer through a written contract or agreement. Furthermore, there is always a separate debate about the inventions created by the employee during the course of employment and since the inventor (employee in this case) is the first owner of the patents the Employers are advised to always execute a assignment agreement in place. 1. In the Course of Employment: If an employee invents something as part of their job duties (e.g., researchers, engineers), the employer generally owns the patent subject to the assignment agreement. 2. Outside Employment Duties: If an employee invents something unrelated to their job description and outside the use of company resources, the employee may have the right to the patent. The case of Darius Rutton Kavasmaneck v. Gharda Chemicals Ltd. (2014) revolves around a dispute concerning intellectual property rights in the context of patent law and “work for hire.” The case involved the question of whether the inventions and patents developed by Kavasmaneck, a key employee of Gharda Chemicals, belonged to him individually or to the company. The court ruled in favor of Gharda Chemicals, affirming that the inventions created by Kavasmaneck during his tenure with the company fell under the “work for hire” doctrine, as they were made in the course of his employment and used the company’s resources. This case highlights the importance of employment agreements and the principle that inventions made by employees in the scope of their work duties are typically owned by the employer Comparing Copyright and Patent Work for Hire While the concept of work for hire is prevalent in both copyright and patent law, there are some key differences: 1. Automatic Ownership: – In copyright, the employer or commissioner is typically the automatic owner unless there is an agreement to the contrary. – In patent law, ownership depends on the employment context and the existence of a clear agreement, as the inventor is the first and original owner by default. 2. Scope of Work: – In copyright, almost any work created within the course of employment may fall under work