Patent Registration Overview
Patent registration in India used to be a cumbersome and time-consuming process, whereas the online registration process, it has considerably smoothened and speeded up the procedure. E-filing has made the patent registration facility available through the system of INPASS wherein paper usage is at the barest minimum and updates are available in real-time. This modern approach emboldened the inventors and companies in managing their applications easily from their offices.
What is the E-filing of a Patent Application?
E-filing of the patent application in India refers to the electronic filing of a patent application via the Indian Patent Advanced Search System, or INPASS. It allows inventors and companies to file applications online, thus simplifying the procedure and reducing most of the paperwork normally involved. E-filing has the advantage of faster processing and an update in real-time of what is happening with the application. That’s an efficient, secure method that is far less environmentally unfriendly than paper filing.
Procedure for E-Filing a Patent Application in India
- Registration at the Website: First, get registered on the portal of the Indian Patent Office, e. ipindiaonline.gov.in. Some basic information has to be filled in to open an account using which you would manage your application, track its status of it, and also communicate with the Patent Office.
- Draft Your Patent Application: Draft your patent application carefully. Essential components are: –
- Title of the Invention: Concise, ‘descriptive title.’
- Abstract: Summary of the invention in 150 to 250 words.
- Detailed Description: This is a description of the detailed nature of the invention. It could include drawings and examples.
- Claims: By undergoing a legal process, it protects the scope of your invention.
- Drawings: Relevant diagrams or illustrations. All the documents should be in PDF format and also prepared as per the Indian Patent Office’s standards.
- Log In and Start the E-Filing Process: Log into the portal of the Patent Office and then into the e-filing module. You will be required to open a new application. You may download all the forms from the website, which includes Form 1 for the application and Form 2 for the complete specification.
- Uploading the Documents: Prepare all your documents, including your patent application along with any drawings. Make sure that all the files uploaded are okay to avoid any further delay.
- Payment of Filing Fee: Pay the required filling fee through credit/debit cards or net banking. The fee payable depends upon the type of applicant you are, whether a small/large entity applicant or an individual applicant. The receipt so obtained needs to be kept for further reference.
- File and Track Application: After submitting your application, you would get a filing number. Now, you may track your application status with the help of the portal on the patent office’s website. You should also keep an eye on any further updates or requirements.
- Reply to Examination Reports: The patent office might raise examination reports seeking further information or clarification. Meet these issues as early as possible to stay on track with your application.
- Grant and Publication: Once your patent application is accepted by the patent examiner, the patent will be granted and published in the Patent Journal. This marks the official recognition of your invention.
Conclusion
Online patent registration can make patents in India easy. Hence, inventors can effectively get through the process of registration of patents through this e-filing mechanism and quick response to examination reports. By all sides, the entire process has been made much smoother with online tools, and intellectual property can easily be protected with advanced technology through their help.