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The modernization programme for augmenting the infrastructure and human resources in Intellectual Property Office, creation of awareness regarding IPRs and introducing IT enabled efficient systems has resulted in a steady increase in the number of patent applications and more importantly a sharp increase in number of the patents granted. In a major effort to deal with this the government is in the process of digitising all patents granted so far. The digitised record will be available to the public by early next year.
FICCI has urged the government to create a database covering provisional and complete specifications, legal status of the patent application/patents, data concerning the patent applications/patents which, the industry body stated, is likely to complete by December 2008 thus making it available for online public access by January 2009. The task of digitizing on a fast track will be ensured by appointing Nodal Officers.
A Working Group comprising representatives from industry, legal experts and the office of Controller General of Patents, Trade Marks and Designs would also be set up by FICCI and the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion to suggest improvements in the working of Intellectual Property (IP) offices with regard to IT enabling and networking of operations and enhancing human resource capabilities thus gearing the IP offices to meet the increasing demands of trade and industry.
Several important milestones have been achieved in the field of Intellectual Property rights in India. The recognition of the Indian Patent Office as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) and the launch of E-filing facilities for patent applications will join the effort to digitize the patent records and this is not all. A more ambitious second phase of modernization proposes procuring international databases, establishing online processing of IP applications, augmenting human resources particularly of patent examiners and a sensitization programme which would cover all major stakeholders including industry, academia, judiciary, enforcement agencies, policy makers and State Governments.
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