Patenting: An Indian Scenario‪.‬

Abstract Indian Intellectual Property (IP) regime has undergone a huge transformation over the last three decades. Patent databases are paramount source of technical information for researchers and engineers. Patenting in areas related to Information Technology registered a dramatic growth since 1960s. Between 1982 and 1996, the number of patents in Information Technology (IT) grew by over three times the overall growth (89%) in patenting. The IT sectors exhibiting strong growth which includes software, hardware and semiconductor manufacturing. Though the IP regime in the country is far weaker than desired, it's evolving and awareness among Indian enterprises is increasing. In the recent past, companies has started realizing the importance of patenting, companies are creating culture of innovation. For example, product companies like TCS, Infosys, i-Flex, Sasken etc. nurturing and building strong IP culture. The Indian patent system is still at a vary nascent stage. Software has no patent right and protection is available in the way of copyrights today. Despite the current lacunae, Indian patent regime has undergone radical changes in the recent past and amended three times. Legally, India has a very good patent system in India which is comparable with European Patent System. This paper discusses about the Patent regime worldwide and patent offices located in various places. Various stages of Indian patenting system as well as various steps involved in patenting in India discussed. Initiatives of Government of India and other Institutions also discussed. Apart from these global innovation trends and an overview of some of the important patent battles also discussed.