Call Us On +91 9355582894

Patent Registration in India

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Patent Registration. Patents are crucial for protecting your inventions, ensuring that you retain exclusive rights to your innovative creations. This guide will walk you through the entire patent registration process, helping you safeguard your intellectual property effectively.

What is a Patent?

A patent is a legal document granted by the government that gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a specified period, typically 20 years. Patents prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention without the inventor's permission.

Why Register a Patent?

  • Exclusive Rights: Protects your invention from being copied or used without your consent.
  • Monetary Benefits: Allows you to license or sell your invention, creating potential revenue streams.
  • Market Position: Strengthens your position in the market by preventing competitors from using your patented technology.
  • Increased Valuation: Enhances the value of your business and attracts investors

Types of Patents

  • Utility Patents: For new and useful inventions or discoveries of processes, machines, articles of manufacture, or compositions of matter.
  • Design Patents: For new, original, and ornamental designs for articles of manufacture.
  • Plant Patents: For new and distinct varieties of plants that are asexually reproduced.

Patent Registration Process

Idea Conception and Documentation

Document every detail of your invention, including drawings, diagrams, and descriptions.

Patent Search:

Conduct a thorough search to ensure your invention is novel and has not been patented before

Patent Application Preparation:

Prepare a detailed patent application, including claims that define the scope of your invention.

Filing the Application:

Submit your application to the appropriate patent office (e.g., the United States Patent and Trademark Office).

Patent Examination:

The patent office will review your application to ensure it meets all legal requirements.

Patent Grant:

If your application is approved, you will receive a patent grant, giving you exclusive rights to your invention.

Costs Involved

The cost of patent registration varies depending on the type of patent, complexity of the invention, and professional fees. It generally includes:

  • Filing Fees: Paid to the patent office.
  • Examination Fees: For the patent office to review your application
  • Professional Fees: For hiring patent attorneys or agents.

Maintaining Your Patent

Once granted, maintaining your patent requires paying periodic maintenance fees to keep it in force. Failing to pay these fees can result in the expiration of your patent rights.

Patent Registration Services

Our team of experts can assist you with every step of the patent registration process, ensuring your invention is protected efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to get started on securing your intellectual property rights.

For more detailed information and personalized assistance, visit our website or contact our support team

Patent Enforcement

Securing a patent is only the first step in protecting your invention. Enforcing your patent rights is crucial to ensure that others do not infringe upon your exclusive rights. Here are some key aspects of patent enforcement:

  • Monitoring for Infringement: Regularly monitor the market for potential infringers who may be using your patented invention without permission.
  • Legal Action: If you identify an infringement, consult with a patent attorney to take appropriate legal action, which may include sending cease-and-desist letters or filing lawsuits.
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution: Consider mediation or arbitration as cost-effective alternatives to resolve patent disputes without going to court.
  • Licensing Agreements: You can negotiate licensing agreements with potential infringers, allowing them to use your invention legally in exchange for royalties or other compensation.

International Patent Protection

If you plan to protect your invention in multiple countries, consider filing for international patents. Here are the key pathways for international patent protection

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT):

The PCT allows you to file a single international patent application, which can then be pursued in multiple countries. This streamlines the process and provides a preliminary examination of your invention.

Regional Patent Systems:

Regional patent systems, such as the European Patent Office (EPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), allow you to file a single application for protection in multiple member countries.

National Filings:

Alternatively, you can file separate patent applications in each country where you seek protection. This approach can be more complex and costly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Insufficient Documentation:

Ensure that you thoroughly document your invention and its development process. Lack of detailed documentation can hinder the patent application process.

Public Disclosure:

Avoid publicly disclosing your invention before filing a patent application. Public disclosure can jeopardize your ability to obtain a patent.

Incomplete Patent Search:

Conduct a comprehensive patent search to ensure your invention is truly novel. Overlooking existing patents can result in application rejections.

Improper Claims Drafting:

Draft clear and precise claims that accurately define the scope of your invention. Ambiguous or overly broad claims can lead to legal challenges.

Neglecting Maintenance Fees

Remember to pay periodic maintenance fees to keep your patent in force. Failure to pay these fees can result in the expiration of your patent rights.

Patent Strategies for Businesses

Portfolio Management:

Develop a strategic patent portfolio by identifying key inventions and prioritizing them for patent protection. This can strengthen your market position and provide a competitive edge.

Patent Landscaping:

Conduct patent landscaping to analyze the patent landscape in your industry. This helps identify potential opportunities, avoid infringement, and inform your R&D strategy.

Open Innovation:

Consider open innovation strategies, where you collaborate with other companies or research institutions to develop and patent new technologies.

Defensive Patenting:

File defensive patents to protect your innovations and prevent competitors from patenting similar technologies. This can be particularly useful in fast-paced industries.

Proprietorship vs Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) vs Company

Features Proprietorship Partnership LLP Company
Definition A sole proprietorship is an unregistered business entity managed by a single individual. A legal contract between multiple parties to jointly manage and run a business operation. A business type that combines aspects of a partnership and the limited liability of a corporation. A registered business where owners and shareholders have limited liability.
Ownership
  • Single individual
  • Min 2 Partners
  • Max 50 Partners
  • Designated Partners: Min 2(No upper limit)
  • Min: 1 shareholder (for a private company), 7 shareholders (for a public company)
  • Max: 200 shareholders (for a private company), no upper limit (for a public company)

For One Person Company
  • Minimum: 1 individual
  • Maximum: 1 individual
Registration Time 7-10 working days
Promoter Liability Unlimited Liability Limited Liability
Documentation
  • Partnership Deed
  • PAN card of the partnership firm
  • LLP Agreement
  • Incorporation Certificate
  • PAN card of the LLP
  • MOA
  • AOA
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • PAN card of the company
Governance No specific governing law Governed by the terms outlined in the partnership deed Governed by the LLP agreement Governed by a formal structure including a Board of Directors
Transferability Business cannot be transferred Ownership transfer requires the consent of all partners as outlined in the partnership deed. Transferable Easily Transferable for public companies. In private companies, there might be some restrictions.
Compliance Requirements
  • Income tax filing if the turnover exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
  • Must file ITR 5
  • Must file ITR 5
  • File Form 11
  • Form 8
  • MCA filing
  • Auditor's appointment
  • File ITR 6

Patent FAQ's

How long does it take to get a patent?

The patent registration process can take several years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the workload of the patent office. On average, it takes about 2-4 years

Can I sell my patent?

Yes, you can sell your patent outright or license it to others in exchange for royalties. Selling a patent can provide immediate financial benefits.

What happens if someone infringes on my patent?

If someone infringes on your patent, you can take legal action to enforce your rights. This may include seeking damages, injunctions, or negotiating a licensing agreement.

Do patents expire?

Yes, patents have a limited lifespan. Utility patents typically last 20 years from the filing date, while design patents last 15 years from the grant date. Plant patents also last 20 years.

Can I patent software?

In many countries, software can be patented if it meets certain criteria, such as being tied to a specific machine or producing a tangible result. However, patenting software can be complex and varies by jurisdiction.

Related Business Registrations

In addition to registration or incorporation, a business may require other registrations depending on the business activity undertaken. Talk to an Advisor to find out registrations your business may require post registration.

MCA Compliance

Each registered entity is required to meet its compliance duties at the close of each financial year. This generally includes auditing financial statements, filing income tax returns, and submitting annual forms to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Compliance For Form Due date Penalty
Commencement of Business Intimation to Registrar for Commencement of Business Within 180 days from incorporation INR 50,000 on company and INR 1,000 per day on directors for each day of default
Annual KYC of Directors DIR 3 E-KYC 30th September of every year INR 5,000 for late filing
Appointment of Auditor Form ADT 1 Within 15 days of the AGM INR 300 per day (max INR 12,000)
Financial Statements Form AOC 4 Within 30 days from the AGM INR 100 per day of default
Annual Return Form MGT 7 Within 60 days from the AGM INR 100 per day of default

All Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) in India must file annual returns with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). FilingLounge provides affordable services to help you keep your LLP compliant.

LLP Compliance Form Due date Penalty
Annual KYC of Directors DIR 3 KYC 30th September of every year INR 5,000 for late filing
Annual Return Form 11 May 30th every year INR 100 per day of default
Statements of Accounts and Solvency Form 8 30th October every year INR 100 per day of default (minimum penalty INR 10,000)

In addition to the filings listed above, there may be other compliance requirements relevant to LLPs. To ensure all compliance needs of your LLP are met, please seek assistance from a Filinglounge Advisor.

Entity Compliance Form Due date
Private Limited Company Annual Return MGT-7 Within 60 days from the conclusion of the AGM
Financial Statements AOC-4 Within 30 days from the conclusion of the AGM
DIR-3 KYC DIR-3 KYC 30th September every year
Return of Deposits DPT-3 30th June every year
Appointment of Auditor ADT-1 Within 15 days from the conclusion of the AGM
Income Tax Return (Non-audit case) ITR-6 31st July every year
Income Tax Return (Audit case) ITR-6 30th September every year
Annual GST Return GSTR-9 31st December of the subsequent financial year
MSME Form Form 1 (MCA) half-yearly return by 31st October (April to September), & 30th April for the period October to March every year
Limited Liability Partnership Income Tax Return (Non-audit case) ITR 5 31st July every year
Income Tax Return (Audit case) ITR 5 30th September every year
Annual Return Form 11 30th May every year
Financial Statements Form-8 30th October every year

Note : There might be extra filings needed depending on your business type and activities. Talk to a FilingLounge advisor to get the right guidance for your company's compliance.