IPR Policy expected to speed up clearances
NEW DELHI: Trademark pendency, which is at three months, is expected to come down further to one month by March 2017 following the shifting of the Intellectual Rights Property portfolio to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.
Trademarks filing increased by around 10 per cent and Trademark examination increased by around 250 per cent during FY16 till November as compared to FY15.
A comprehensive National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy was adopted for the first time in May 2016 to lay future roadmap for intellectual property. The aim was to improve Indian intellectual property ecosystem, hoping to create an innovation movement in the country and aspires towards “Creative India; Innovative India.”
This becomes relevant in view of the large number of cases pending in courts on copyright and the emergence of newer vehicles where software can be used, including smartphones and OTT.
The objectives of this policy are to increase IPR awareness; stimulate generation of IPRs; have strong and effective IPR laws; modernize and strengthen service-oriented IPR administration; get value for IPRs through commercialisation; strengthen enforcement and adjudicatory mechanisms for combating IPR infringements; and to strengthen and expand human resources, institutions and capacities for teaching, training, research and skill building in IPRs.
Subsequently, a Cell for Intellectual Property Rights Promotion and Management (CIPAM) has been created as a professional body which will be working under the aegis of DIPP for addressing seven identified objectives of the Policy.
During 2016, India signed memorandums of understanding in the field of Intellectual Property signed with U.K, Singapore and the European Union. An India-US Workshop was held on Protection of Trade Secrets organized by CIPAM.
DIPP Secretary Rajiv Aggarwal had recently said India’s IP framework was in the midst of a paradigm shift following the announcement of the National IPR Policy.
Aggarwal said while the Department was spearheading the overall policy, specific recommendations listed in the policy were being taken up for action by concerned ministries and departments.
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