Experiment-1.
Student Name: Shivam UID: 25MAI10012
Branch: ME-AIML Section/Group: 25MAI1/A
Semester: 1st Date of Performance:
21/08/2025 Subject: Research and IPR Subject Code: 25CSP-
626
AIM:
To write an article on the following topics:
a) Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and its different types
b) Why IPR should be protected
c) How IPR should be protected
d) Structure of the Intellectual Property Offices of India
Article
1. Introduction – What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the human mind such as inventions,
artistic works, symbols, names, and designs used in commerce. These creations,
though intangible, carry immense economic value. To safeguard these, Intellectual
Property Rights (IPR) are provided by law, enabling creators to control the use of
their innovations and benefit from them.
The primary objective of IPR is to encourage innovation, creativity, and
industrial growth by ensuring that inventors and creators are rewarded for their
efforts.
2. Types of Intellectual Property Rights
1. Patents
a. Granted for inventions that are new, useful, and non-obvious.
b. Valid for 20 years (under Indian Patents Act, 1970).
c. Example: Patented drug formulations by pharmaceutical companies.
2. Trademarks
a. Identifying marks like names, words, symbols, or designs that
distinguish goods or services.
b. Valid for 7 years, renewable.
c. Example: Nike’s “✓” logo, Amul’s mascot.
3. Copyrights
a. Protection for literary, musical, artistic, and software works.
b. Provides exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute works.
c. Example: Software codes, movies, novels.
4. Industrial Designs
a. Protects the aesthetic appearance of products (shapes, patterns,
carvings).
b. Example: Special design of furniture or packaging bottles.
5. Geographical Indications (GI)
a. Identifies products originating from a specific region with unique
qualities.
b. Example: Darjeeling Tea, Kolhapuri Chappals, Banarasi Sarees.
6. Trade Secrets
a. Confidential business information that gives a competitive edge.
b. Example: Coca-Cola’s formula.
3. Why IPR Should Be Protected
1. Encourages Innovation & Creativity – Assures inventors that their work
will be safeguarded.
2. Prevents Infringement – Stops others from copying or misusing inventions.
3. Boosts Economic Growth – Protects billion-dollar industries like software,
cinema, pharma.
4. Promotes R&D Investments – Attracts domestic and foreign capital.
5. Supports Branding & Differentiation – Helps businesses stand out from
competitors.
6. Enables International Recognition – Treaties provide global protection to
innovators.
7. Protects Against Financial Losses – Prevents piracy, counterfeiting, and
misuse.
4. How IPR Should Be Protected
1. Filing applications with the respective Patent/Trademark/Copyright
Office.
2. Paying prescribed fees and submitting specifications of the
invention/design/work.
3. Filing provisional or complete specifications (in patents).
4. Registering Trademarks and GIs to gain exclusive rights.
5. Using confidentiality agreements and NDAs to secure trade secrets.
6. Enforcement through litigation, legal notices, and penalties in case of
infringement.
5. Structure of Intellectual Property Offices in India
The administration of IPR in India is under the Controller General of Patents,
Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM), which works under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
Main Offices:
1. Patent Offices: Four patent offices located in Kolkata (HQ), Delhi,
Mumbai, Chennai.
2. Trademark Registry Offices: Located in Mumbai (HQ), Delhi, Chennai,
Kolkata, Ahmedabad.
3. Copyright Office: Located in New Delhi.
4. Geographical Indications Registry: Located in Chennai.
5. Designs Office: Located in Kolkata.
6. IPR Appellate Board (IPAB): Handles appeals related to IPR matters.
Case Study: The Basmati Rice Dispute
Background:
Basmati rice is a long-grain aromatic rice traditionally grown in India and
Pakistan. In the 1990s, a US-based company RiceTec Inc. attempted to patent
certain varieties of Basmati rice.
Issue:
If successful, this would have restricted Indian farmers from exporting their own
traditional product under the name Basmati.
Resolution:
India challenged this claim, and after international pressure and legal battles,
RiceTec withdrew many of its patent claims. Later, India registered “Basmati” as
a Geographical Indication (GI) to protect it under IPR.
Learning Outcome:
1. IPR helps safeguard traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
2. Without protection, foreign companies could exploit indigenous resources.
3. GI registration ensures that local producers benefit from their
unique products.
