Overview
A patent under the Patents Act, 1970 gives the owner exclusive rights over an invention for up to 20 years from the filing date. The invention must be new, involve an inventive step and be capable of industrial application.
Key points
- Requires novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability
- Provisional filing can secure an early priority date
- Application is published, examined on request and then granted or refused
- Term is 20 years from the filing date, subject to renewal fees
- Reduced fees and faster examination are available to eligible startups
Typical documents required
- Detailed description of the invention
- Drawings and claims
- Inventor and applicant details
- Declaration of inventorship and power of attorney
How we work
Patentability search and assessment
Drafting provisional or complete specification
Filing and request for examination
Response to examination report and grant
Frequently asked questions
What can be patented?
Inventions that are new, non-obvious and industrially applicable. Some categories, such as mere discoveries and certain software claims, are excluded.
Should I file a provisional application first?
Often yes. It secures a priority date while you develop the invention further.
This page gives general information and is not legal or tax advice. Requirements change, so confirm current rules for your situation with us before acting.