Intellectual Property involves patents, trademarks and copyrights among other things.
India’s traditional knowledge is vast and deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. From the ancient practices of Ayurveda and Yoga to systems like Unani, Siddha, and Sowa Rigpa, this knowledge reflects centuries of communal experimentation and refinement. The question that often arises is whether such knowledge can be patented in India. The short answer is...
Geographical Indications (GIs) occupy a unique and often underappreciated space in the intellectual property (IP) landscape. Unlike patents that reward inventors or trademarks that distinguish businesses, GIs are inherently collective rights tied to communities, cultures, and geographies. They protect products that draw their uniqueness from a specific region whether it is Darjeeling Tea, Banarasi Sarees,...
The Indian Patent Office (IPO) has revoked Novartis’ patent in India for its cardiac drug Vymada on the grounds of lack of novelty and inventive step. This decision not only impacts the pharmaceutical industry but also reinforces India’s jurisprudence on the delicate balance between rewarding innovation and safeguarding public health. Legal Basis for Revocation The...
Think of the distinctive Airtel jingle. Or the iconic, red-soled shoe crafted by Christian Louboutin. Or even the familiar whiff of popcorn that greets you at a movie theatre. These are not just products or advertisements; they are experiences. In the modern marketplace, brands are no longer confined to logos, slogans, and names. Instead, they...
India’s fashion and jewellery industries have always been celebrated globally for their artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural richness. The intricate weaves of Banarasi sarees, the elaborate zari embroidery from Lucknow, and the gemstone artistry of Jaipur represent not only aesthetic brilliance but also centuries of tradition. Yet, these industries face a persistent and damaging challenge: piracy...
In today’s interconnected global economy, multinational brands sell products across multiple jurisdictions, often at varying price points. This has created opportunities for parallel imports, where genuine products are brought into India without the authorization of the foreign trademarks owner. While consumers may benefit from lower prices and increased access, parallel imports often referred to as...
India’s patent ecosystem is shaped by a delicate balance: encouraging innovation while safeguarding public interest and cultural heritage. This balance plays out differently across industries, where the rules and interpretations of patentability can make or break an innovation strategy. Four sectors: pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and software, green technologies, and traditional knowledge illustrate how India applies...
India’s intellectual property (IP) landscape is undergoing one of its most dynamic and challenging phases in decades. From artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping cinematic classics to cricketers trademarking their nicknames, and from deepfake celebrity endorsements to fast-fashion knockoffs, the scope and enforcement of copyright, trademark, and personality rights are being tested in unprecedented ways. This article...
In a world where stories, songs, and designs can travel across continents in the blink of an eye, creativity has never been more powerful. Yet, it has also never been more vulnerable. The same technology that allows a film to premiere globally on streaming platforms also enables a pirated copy to be uploaded within hours....
With India’s booming tech sector and the global shift toward software-driven innovation, the demand for software patents is steadily increasing. Companies ranging from startups to multinational tech giants are looking to protect their software-based inventions to gain competitive advantage. However, patenting software in India is legally complex and subject to distinct statutory limitations. This article...
