The technology environment is rapidly changing, and its influence can be seen in almost every facet of modern life. The same is true for the Indian Patent Office and before 2007 when applicants had to hand submit their applications accompanied by mounds of documentation. This process was laborious not just for the applicant, but also for the Indian Patent Office. Everyone involved, including the Indian patent office, was having trouble keeping up with the backlog of the complete patent application.
- Electronically Filing Patent Applications: Updates To And Improvements Made to E-Filing Services (India) –
- A file system that is hosted on the web.
- Dual-factor authentication, consisting of both a password and a digital signature, in addition to a password-resetting mechanism
- Arrangements for the submission of all entries by Schedule 1 of the Patents Rules, 2003
- Validations are done correctly using the IPO patent database
- Provision for upgrading and/or refreshing the digital signatures
- Profile of the User
- Enhanced processes to reduce the number of mistakes that occur during transactions
- electronic filing procedure for patent applications (India) –
Step One: Registering on the Portal The first step in the process of electronically submitting a patent application in India is to register on the Online Filing of Patents platform, which may be accessed by anybody interested in doing so. Candidates can create a user ID and password for themselves after they have registered on this portal. However, the platform features a dual log-in option, which means that applicants or agents may log in either by using their user-id and password or by using a digital signature that was established throughout the process. This is the platform’s distinguishing feature.
Step 2: Downloading the Client Software Immediately after the creation of your login id and password, you will be able to download the client software that enables you to apply for a patent.
Step 3: Include a digital signature on your application After providing information about your innovation, the next step in the process is to include a digital signature on your application. This signature will assist the patent office in identifying the uniqueness of each applicant.
Step 4: Submit the Application Once you have completed all of the information on your invention, you will then be able to upload it, which will enable the patent office to receive your draft patent application with all of the necessary information included.
Step 5: Make payments Applicants are required to make payment of the relevant fees after they have uploaded their application but before they submit it. This step must be completed before the application can be submitted. In addition, applicants have a choice between three distinct types of payment gateways when it comes to sending in the required sum.
Step 6: Produce an acknowledgment Once the applicant has paid their payment, they will be able to get an acknowledgment from the Patent Office of India stating that their application has been successfully filed.
Conclusion –
Therefore, the mandated use of electronic filing for patent application is a prudent action, which they need to acknowledge and incorporate into their practices. In the same vein, they have to acknowledge that submitting patents in the right manner is not a stroll in the park. Because it entails several different procedures and office activities, which may make the process a difficult one.