Prosecution of Patents
The patent prosecution process comprises several stages, including the submission of a patent application and the final grant. Engaging with a variety of stakeholders, adhering to specific guidelines and timelines, and navigating through a complex legal and administrative framework are all necessary components of this voyage. This blog explores the complexities of patent prosecution, outlining the primary steps, challenges, and strategic considerations for businesses and inventors.
Understanding Patent Prosecution
We refer to the process of obtaining a patent from a patent office as patent prosecution. Drafting, filing, and defending a patent application are all components of this process. Unlike litigation, which focuses on the enforcement of patent rights, prosecution focuses on the formalities and examination phases that precede the patent grant.
The Indian Patent System
The Patents Act, of 1970 regulates the Indian patent system and has undergone various amendments to ensure compliance with international standards, particularly the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Through the Indian Patent Office (IPO), the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) oversees the patent process.
Key Stages of Patent Prosecution
- Patent Search and Drafting: To guarantee the invention’s novelty, the journey commences with an exhaustive patent search. This process verifies the invention’s lack of prior disclosure via a comprehensive search of existing patents and literature. Following this, create a patent specification that outlines the invention, its novel features, and the claims that define the protection sought.
- Filing the Patent Application: In India, applicants can submit their patent applications electronically or in person at any of the four patent offices located in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi. Applicants are required to choose between a provisional and a comprehensive application. A provisional application guarantees a filing date and grants an extension of up to 12 months for the submission of a comprehensive specification.
- Publication: The official journal publishes the patent application 18 months after the priority date or submission date. This publication is automatic unless the registrant requests it in advance. Upon publication, the application becomes publicly accessible.
- Request for Examination: A critical stage of patent prosecution is the submission of a request for examination within 48 months of the filing date or priority date. A patent examiner subsequently reviews the application to define if it meets the patentability criteria of novelty, inventiveness, and industrial applicability.
- Examination and First Examination Report (FER): The examiner issues the First Examination Report (FER), which outlines any objections or required amendments. The applicant needs to resolve the examiner’s concerns and make the requisite changes to the application in response to the FER within six months.
- Hearing and Decision: If the written responses do not satisfactorily resolve the examiner’s objections, the Controller may arrange a hearing. On the basis of the responses and hearings, the Controller delivers whether to grant or deny the patent. If granted, the patent is republished in the official journal and the patentee receives the patent certificate.
Challenges in Patent Prosecution
Complexity of Patent Law: Patent law requires an in-depth knowledge of both legal and technical components to navigate its complexities. Inadequate claim drafting or misinterpretation of legal provisions can result in refusals or incomplete protection.
Delays and Backlogs: The Indian Patent Office often experiences substantial delays and backlogs, which result in extended prosecution timelines.
High Costs: The cost of patent prosecution is substantial, including official fees, attorney fees, as well as costs for translations and documentation. These expenses can be prohibitive for small businesses and individual inventors.
Patent Enforcement: Acquiring a patent is relatively easy, whereas protecting it from infringers is a bit difficult. It is widely known that the Indian legal system is far from efficient, and such enforcement actions can be expensive and time-consuming for the patentee.
Strategic Considerations for Successful Prosecution
- Engage Skilled Professionals: Hiring experienced patent agents or attorneys can significantly improve the quality of the patent application and prosecution strategy. Their expertise makes sure effective navigation through the legal complexities, timely responses, and robust drafting.
- Conduct Thorough Prior Art Searches: To prepare for potential objections during an examination, it is beneficial to allocate time and resources to conducting thorough prior art searches. This proactive approach enhances patent applications and the chance of a successful grant.
- Leverage Expedited Examination: Eligible applicants, including startups and small entities, should utilize the expedited examination procedure to expedite their applications. This expedites access to patent rights and reduces prosecution timelines.
- Monitor Application Status: To guarantee timely compliance with procedural requirements and prevent lapses, it is essential to regularly monitor the status of the application through the Indian Patent Office’s online portal.
Summary
In India, patent prosecution is a meticulous process that necessitates legal acumen, strategic planning, and perseverance. Inventors and businesses can foster innovation and competitive advantage by proactively confronting challenges and comprehending the procedural intricacies necessary to secure robust patent protection. Implementing strategic measures and engaging skilled professionals can significantly streamline the prosecution journey, thereby facilitating successful patent grants in India.
