It is not advised to make your invention public in any form (research paper/conference/poster/talk/symposium etc.). The invention should be secured at the earliest in case there is a potential of commercialization in the invention/idea.

Inventor may submit your invention disclosure application for Indian patent filing to IPR cell. In case, the Institute feels that there is a potential of commercialization, a provisional specification may be filed through IPR Cell which takes comparatively less time.

A software/piece of code may be copyrighted instead of patent. However, if a software application is attached to a novel physical device/hardware/machinery, a patent application may be submitted. A copyright application along with copies of work may be submitted to the Patent Attorney through IPR Cell.

A provisional specification is an expedited process to file a patent application without submitting complete invention details. After provisional specification filing, a 12-month period is given to submit the complete specification. However, an inventor has a choice to submit complete specification instead of provisional specification.

To expedite the patent process, after complete specification filing, Form 9 for early publishing may be submitted through the Patent Attorney after getting approval from IPR Cell.

The patent application status may be checked on the url (https://iprsearch.ipindia.gov.in/PublicSearch/PublicationSearch/ApplicationStatus). Enter the patent application number and search the current status.

PCT stands for the Patent Cooperation Treaty. PCT is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The PCT facilitates the process of seeking patent protection in multiple countries by allowing applicants to file a single international application.

To file a PCT application, an inventor has to file a PCT application within 12 months of filing of Indian Patent (either provisional or complete). There is no provision of extension of PCT deadline.

Once a PCT application is filed, inventor(s) may file national applications within 31 months after PCT application.

Note: A timely request from inventors regarding their intent to file a PCT/International patent application is to be submitted to the IPR Cell. Upon Competent Authority's recommendation, the application will be evaluated by the Expert Committee according to protocol. Given the time-intensive nature of this process, inventors are advised to submit their request significantly ahead of time to avoid any last-minute rush.