"India IP SME Helpdesk" Newsletter Issues

How to Register International Trademarks and Use the SME Fund in Latin America and India? (10/07/2024)

Joining forces with the Latin America IP SME Helpdesk, the India IP SME Helpdesk is organising a webinar on how to register trademarks using the international Madrid system. The webinar will cover essential requirements, benefits, and potential drawbacks. A special guest from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) will provide insights into the SME Fund and how to leverage it to cover up to 50% of official fees.

Navigating IP Challenges Amid the Rise of Social Media (01/07/2024)

Social media platforms have revolutionised communication, connection, and information sharing. Despite the vast opportunities for engagement and expression that social media offers, it also presents numerous legal challenges, particularly related to intellectual property (IP) rights.

Exploring the Business Potentials of Intellectual Property in India (19/09/2024)

Jointly organised by the India IP SME Helpdesk and the University of Maribor, this training session will focus on the opportunities for European small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India's growing market, emphasizing the importance of protecting intellectual property amidst challenges like piracy and counterfeiting.

The EC IP Helpdesks Are Now Easily Accessible Through the Your Europe Portal (01/07/2024)

As of March 2024, the European IP Helpdesk and International IP SME Helpdesks have been fully integrated into the Single Digital Gateway and is accessible through the Assistance Service Finder. This integration means that any business with questions about intellectual assets can receive direct assistance from the IP Helpdesk via the Your Europe portal.

New IP Materials on E-Commerce in India (01/07/2024)

The India IP SME Helpdesk team has recently published new intellectual property (IP) materials focusing on the e-commerce sector, emphasizing the specific aspects and importance of intellectual property in this field in India. Take a look at the dedicated section to learn more about the e-commerce in India!

How to Protect Your IP in India (25/09/2024)

We are collaborating with the Internationalisation Centre Styria (ICS) to organise a new training session aimed at educating European small and medium enterprises (SMEs) about intellectual property (IP) laws in India. The main objective of the session is to raise awareness about the market opportunities that India offers for EU SMEs. The session will focus on IP protection strategies in India and how best steps to take prior internationalising to India.

Just Published: Factsheet on Standard-Essential Patents in India (01/07/2024)

The India IP SME Helpdesk team has published a brand-new factsheet focusing on the standard-essential patents (SEPs) framework in India. This factsheet also highlights the challenges in the domain of SEPs, as well as other IP-related challenges.

WIPO Global Awards 2024: Two Indian Candidates Among 25 Finalists (31/05/2024)

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Awards celebrates exceptional enterprises making smart use of intellectual property (IP) for commercialisation products and services while also bringing a positive contribution to society through their innovation and creativity. This year, the competition introduced several changes. Alongside the small and medium enterprises (SME) category, a new startup category was created. Among the 25 finalists in this year's edition of the WIPO Global Awards, two Indian companies have been recognised.

EU & India Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Technologies Exchange 2024 (31/05/2024)

The Delegation of the European Union to India in cooperation with The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (O/o PSA) to the Government of India launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) for start-ups and SMEs operating in the EU in the domain of Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Technologies. This call for start-ups is matched by a parallel initiative organised by the O/o PSA, scouting and selecting start-ups from India to meet at a joint matchmaking event with companies and investors interested in the battery recycling sector.

India's Swift Progress in Intellectual Property Rights (31/05/2024)

India achieved a significant milestone in its intellectual property rights (IPR) landscape by granting over one lakh patents in the fiscal year 2023-24. This represents a remarkable advancement for the country's innovation and knowledge sector. This uptick in grants not only exceeds the number of filings but also helps in clearing backlogs within the patent system.

World Intellectual Property Report 2024: India Experienced Growth in Scientific and Technological Capabilities (31/05/2024)

World Intellectual Property Report (WIPR) 2024 “Making Innovation Policy Work for Development” published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) delves into the intersection of human innovation, economic diversification, and industrial policy. The report finds that the top economies for scientific, technological and production capabilities are all high-income countries such as the United States, France, Germany, Japan and the Republic of Korea and/or large economies namely China and India.

South Summit Madrid 2024 (05/06/2024)

The India IP SME Helpdesk will attend South Summit Madrid 2024, a global entrepreneurship meeting which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, start-ups and corporations. The event has become a global benchmark for attracting talent and generating business opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Under the slogan "Human By Design", this event aims to create real business opportunities between investors, corporations, entrepreneurs and start-ups, as well as generate high-value connections within the global innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

IFAT Munich 2024 (13/05/2024)

IFAT Munich 2024 – the world's leading trade fair for Water, Sewage, Waste and Raw Materials Management – brings together the most important international industry representatives from politics, business, and science, and offers exciting ideas and innovative solutions for industrial and municipal challenges. The India IP SME Helpdesk team will be present at the event to raise awareness of the importance of intellectual property protection when venturing into international markets and introduce the EU funded services available for European small and medium enterprises, start-ups and Business Support Organisations.

EFTA – India: Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (30/04/2024)

Member States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – and the Republic of India recently signed a comprehensive Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The signing of this agreement represents a significant milestone in the relationship between the EFTA States and India. It signifies the culmination of dedicated efforts to promote a deeper economic partnership, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

Government Relying on Start-ups and Academia for Telecom IPRs (30/04/2024)

Government officials have expressed reliance on start-ups and academia to drive the generation of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the telecommunications sector, particularly focusing on next-generation technologies like quantum communications, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. According to reports, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is encouraging multinational companies such as Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, and Qualcomm to engage in collaborations with university institutions to develop new technologies.

Geographical Indication Tag Registrations in India Surpass 600 (30/04/2024)

The number of geographical indications (GI) registered products in India has surpassed 600, with Uttar Pradesh leading the list with 69 products. Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, stands out with the highest number of products bearing GI tags from a single geographical location. According to the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM), the total number of Indian products granted GI Tags as of 31 March 2024, is 635.

India's Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023, Addressing Digital Piracy, Awaits Formal Notification (30/04/2024)

The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023, intended to replace the Cinematograph Act of 1952, has cleared both houses of parliament and is awaiting formal notification. The bill seeks to modernize regulations governing film certification, exhibition, and censorship in India, addressing issues like digital piracy and copyright infringement in the online domain, which have affected the film industry.

MakeMyTrip Takes Legal Action, Approaches Supreme Court Regarding Google Ads Program (28/03/2024)

In an appeal filed before the Supreme Court, MakeMyTrip, a prominent online travel operator, alleged that the Google Ads program infringed on its trademark rights. The company contends that Booking.com, a competitor, has been able to purchase the 'MakeMyTrip' keyword through Google Ads, resulting in sponsored links to Booking.com appearing in Google search results for the keyword.

Intellectual Property Protection Landscape in India – A Brief Outlook (25/04/2024)

In collaboration with Eureka Network, the India IP SME Helpdesk organises a training session aiming to apprise European Union small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on Intellectual property (IP) laws in India. The main objective of the session is to raise awareness about the market opportunities that India offers for European SMEs. The session will focus on IP protection strategies in India and how to best prepare when internationalising to India.

WIPO International Patent Applications: Innovators in India Significantly Increased Their Patent Filing Activity (28/03/2024)

In 2023, China-based Huawei Technologies, Samsung Electronics of the Republic of Korea, and the U.S.’s Qualcomm emerged as the top users of WIPO's international patent system. Meanwhile, innovators in India experienced a remarkable surge in patent filing activity, with an increase of nearly 50%.

Initiative to Incentivize Intellectual Property Creation in Technical Textiles (28/03/2024)

India is in the process of establishing a framework to incentivize both industry and academia for creating copyrights, trademarks, and patents in technical textiles primarily designed for non-aesthetic purposes. The Ministry of Textiles has put forth a proposal entailing a 10-year period of exclusive rights for industry players to commercialise intellectual property (IP) if their funding contribution accounts for at least 50% of projects financed under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).

Delhi High Court Grants Relief to Viacom 18: Restrains Illegal Websites from Streaming IPL Events (28/03/2024)

The Delhi High Court recently issued a dynamic injunction in favor of Viacom 18 Media Private Limited, prohibiting various unauthorised websites from streaming Indian Premier League (IPL) events for the year 2024. The court not only restrained these platforms from hosting, streaming, or making the IPL content available but also directed Domain Name Registrars to lock and suspend the identified websites.

Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2024 (04/03/2024)

India IP SME Helpdesk will attend the MWC Barcelona virtually, one of the largest and most influential events for the connectivity ecosystem. The one time of year where global mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors, content owners come together under one roof. From March 4th to 8th, meet us online to learn more about our services related to intellectual property protection and management in India.

India IP SME Helpdesk Joins Forces with Eureka Network (28/02/2024)

The India IP SME Helpdesk joins forces with a new collaborator: Eureka, a network of ministries and funding agencies for international cooperation in research and development (R&D) and innovation. For the SMEs considering applying to one of Eureka’s funding programmes, we as India IP SME Helpdesk can offer guidance on how to manage the intellectual assets effectively in Indian market.

What Can IPRs Do for My Company When Expanding to New Markets? (07/03/2024)

The International IP SME Helpdesks in collaboration with the Enterprise European Network (EEN) will host a series of training sessions to provide European small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and stakeholder actors with an overview of the relevance of intellectual property (IP) rights for a variety of sector and relevant IP clauses, with special focus on the most remarkable particularities of Africa, China, India, Latin America and South-East Asia. This session will mainly focus on how to use IP rights to negotiate and establish agreements with other companies.

Seventh Round of Discussion Regarding FTA Between India and the EU (28/02/2024)

On 19 February 2024, India and the European Union (EU) started the seventh round of negotiations in New Delhi concerning the free trade agreement (FTA). These discussions also encompassed talks on an investment protection agreement (IPA) and a pact regarding geographical indications (GIs).

IPR Challenges Faced by Women-Based Businesses (08/03/2024)

In this session, we will explore the challenges that women-owned businesses encounter when striving to adequately protect their intellectual property (IP). It is crucial for these businesses to comprehend the impact of IP protection and to undertake strategic measures to safeguard their innovations, brands, and creative works. By doing so, they can ensure their long-term success and competitiveness in the marketplace.

International IP Index 2024: India’s Position Remain Unchanged (28/02/2024)

The International IP Index by the U.S. Chamber provides a blueprint for economies aiming to enhance the environment for innovation and creativity by implementing more robust intellectual property (IP) standards. According to the Index 2024, India maintained its 42nd position with a score of 38.64%, unchanged since 2022.

Future of Food – Sustainable Food Tech Solutions (19/03/2024)

The Future of Food – Sustainable FoodTech Solutions matchmaking event will be held at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne, Germany. It's a top international trade fair covering all aspects of food and beverage processing. Our team will be heading to Cologne to participate in the trade fair and its b2b event to raise awareness of the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection in India.

WindEurope Annual Event 2024 (20/03/2024)

From 20-22 March, WindEurope’s annual on- and offshore wind energy event will be heading to Bilbao for a three-day conference and exhibition. India IP SME Helpdesk team will be present at the event to introduce our services to European small and medium enterprises that operate or intend to access the Indian market and look to improve their global competitiveness.

IIT Madras Recorded a Significant Increase in Indian Patents (28/02/2024)

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), one of the top public universities in Chennai, India, has experienced a nearly double increase in the number of Indian patents granted during the calendar year 2023. The institute obtained 300 Indian patents in the last calendar year, compared to 156 patents in 2022. Furthermore, the number of international patents filed, including those granted under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), also witnessed a significant increase, reaching 105 in 2023 compared to 58 in the previous year.

From Skills to Profit: The Role of Intellectual Property in SMEs’ Global Ambitions (21/02/2024)

Blog Post: Data Protection Regime in India (Part I & II) (31/01/2024)

India IP SME Helpdesk team published two part blog series which aim to lay down the basis, objectives for data protection laws in India. The first part provides a brief overview of the need for data protection and the genesis of Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the second part focuses on Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) elucidating the salient features of DPDP Act. Happy reading!

Training: What Can IPRs Do for My Company When Expanding To New Markets? (07/03/2024)

In this training session, the experts will address how to use intellectual property (IP) rights to negotiate and establish agreements with other companies, provide tips for commercial agreements in which IP plays a fundamental role, and discuss strategies to protect your commercial interests against violations and imitations, offering a global overview.

We Are Happy To Be Back! (26/01/2024)

Welcome back to the new edition of the India Intellectual Property (IP) SME Helpdesk's monthly newsletter. As India IP SME Helpdesk team, we aim to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the European Union and countries participating in the Single Market Programme (SMP) to protect and enforce their IP rights in or relating to India by providing free information and services. With our monthly newsletters, you will get updates on recent IP developments in India, our latest publications and upcoming training sessions and events directly to your inbox. Thanks for being part of our community, and happy reading! The India IP SME Helpdesk team

Blog Post: Standard Essential Patent Landscape in India (Part I) (31/01/2024)

A ‘standard’ is a set of technical requirements or agreed technical descriptions which cover ideas, products or services and make sure that technologies interact and work together. A Standard Essential Patent (SEP) is a patent granted for technological invention which is essential for implementation and working of a standard. This blog post series highlights the growing importance of SEPs in the networked economy.

Minister of State for Electronics And IT: Next Generation of Indian Startups Will Focus on IP-Based Devices (31/01/2024)

During the National Startup Day, the minister of state for electronics and information technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar indicated that the upcoming wave of startups from India is anticipated to center around intellectual property-based devices and products. These startups will work on deep-tech technologies such as artificial intelligence, electronics, semiconductors, Web 3.0, and quantum computing, among other things where the core value will be intellectual property instead of a focus just on market and scale.

Happy Holidays! (20/12/2023)

And just like that, we are rounding off the second year of the India IP SME Helpdesk with this last edition of our 2023 newsletter schedule. Thank you for being part of our community. It has been our pleasure to bring you the latest updates and information on topics related to Intellectual Property (IP) in India. We hope you have found our monthly news selections and other services useful. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous and healthy New Year! The India IP SME Helpdesk team

Copyrights Act Violation: No Relief From Trial for Film Director Koratala (20/12/2023)

The Telangana High Court has upheld the trial court's decision to proceed with trial proceedings under the Copyrights Act against the renowned film director and screenwriter Koratala Siva. The case revolves around allegations of copyright infringement related to the story and screenplay of the 2015 Mahesh Babu-starrer 'Srimanthudu.' However, the court dismissed the accusations of criminal conspiracy against Siva.

Delhi High Court Declares 'Burger King' As A Well-Known Trademark (20/12/2023)

The Delhi High Court has accorded the designation of a 'well-known mark' to Burger King Company LLC (Burger King), emphasizing that their trademark has developed a 'secondary meaning in respect of burgers.' The Court observed a striking similarity between the logos of the involved parties and prohibited the defendants from using the petitioner's trademark. However, the use of 'Burger Emperor' was permitted.

Software Protection in India: Copyright or Patent? (20/12/2023)

Software, in its most basic form, comprises instructions, data, or programs that enable the operation of computers and the execution of specific tasks. In the digital era, where transactions and work are predominantly conducted online, it is imperative to have legal frameworks in place to safeguard these inventions, deter infringement, and provide legal remedies.In India, the patentability of software is a complex and evolving area of law.

World Intellectual Property Indicators Report: India Experienced 6 Years of Growth (04/12/2023)

The World Intellectual Property Indicators report analyses global intellectual property (IP) activity, utilizing 2022 filing, registration, and in-force statistics from national and regional IP offices. It encompasses data on patents, utility models, trademarks, industrial designs, microorganisms, plant variety protection, and geographical indications. The report states that India, has experienced six consecutive years of growth, with patent filings surging by a quarter in 2022, marking the fastest increase since 2005.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Will Visit India With a Delegation Comprising Over 50 European Businesses (04/12/2023)

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski is going to visit India from 7th to 9th December 2023. He will lead a business delegation of over 50 EU company representatives from the agri-food sector. The event "The EU and India: a partnership in food excellence" which will take place on 8th December, will provide an opportunity to explore various aspects, including ensuring the safety, quality, authenticity, and sustainability of agri-food products, trends in food and beverage innovation, EU food quality policy on Geographical Indications, and products that are not widely available on the Indian market.

Draft Rules for Geographical Indications (04/12/2023)

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has released the Draft Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) (Amendment) Rules, 2023, for public review. The draft introduces changes to the fee structure for certain applications and requests under the Geographical Indications Act. This change may aim to encourage producers and agriculturists at the grassroots level to actively seek protection for their Geographical Indications.

Delhi High Court Dismisses India-Pakistan Basmati Dispute (04/12/2023)

In the ongoing Basmati rice intellectual property (IP) dispute between India and Pakistan, the Delhi High Court recently dismissed a 15-year-old suit against India's export of Basmati rice. The suit, filed by Trading Corporation of Pakistan Pvt. Ltd., Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, and Basmati Growers Association, sought an injunction against the Indian government's notification allowing the export of "evolved" Basmati Rice under the mark "Super Basmati."

Training & Cooperation with Horizon Results Platform: Thinking international - International business Opportunities (13/12/2023)

The lecture series, organised in collaboration with the Horizon Results Platform and the European IP Helpdesk, aims to cover intellectual property (IP) aspects in different areas each lecture explores various concepts of IP valorisation. The final session, titled "Thinking International - International Business Opportunities," will delve into the IP landscape in different geographical areas. Additionally, it will provide insights into the services offered by International IP SME Helpdesks.

India Intends to Double the Workforce Responsible for Processing IP Applications (31/10/2023)

India's Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, has revealed intentions to double the workforce responsible for processing Intellectual Property (IP) applications, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency in the process. He indicated that patent filing has increased ten times and trademark application filing six times since 2016. To address the surging number of IP applications, the Indian Patent Office will recruit an extra 900 staff members.

AQUA TECH 2023 (06/11/2023)

Aquatech Amsterdam is the leading trade fair for water technology in Amsterdam, serving as a central forum for experts, professionals, and companies specializing in the latest trends and developments in the water industry. The fair mainly focuses on innovative solutions and technologies for the water industry. Our team will be present at the event to meet European small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and introduce the free-of charge first line intellectual property (IP) support services provided by the India IP SME Helpdesk.

WIPO Director General Meets Minister of External Affairs of India (31/10/2023)

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, held a meeting with Daren Tang, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). During the meeting, they emphasized the importance of improving access to and the benefits of intellectual property (IP) for countries in the Global South. The meeting also included discussions on the advantages of strengthening the relationship between India and WIPO.

New Video Clip: Introduction to the International IP SME Helpdesk (31/10/2023)

From November 4th to 6th, India IP SME Helpdesk team participated the EU Industry Days 2023 event that brought together in Málaga the leaders of the European industry to unlock the full potential of the Single Market, contribute to European Union (EU) industrial policy, and foster innovation for a truly green, digital, and resilient EU industry. During the event, Igor Kalinic, Head of Sector Competitiveness and Internationalisation at EISMEA, COSME Unit, explained the three types of services (IP experts, training, and materials) provided in five areas: China, India, Africa, Latin America, and South-East Asia.

Ecomondo: The Green Technology Expo (07/11/2023)

Ecomondo, the ecological transition ecosystem, is the place for industry, stakeholders, policy makers, opinion leaders and local authorities to meet and talk. It brings together and systemises the key elements that define the development strategies of the European Union's environmental policy. India IP SME Helpdesk will attend the event to raise awareness and disseminate the EU-funded services on intellectual property protection and management among small and medium enterprises that are interested in Indian market.

Web Summit 2023 (13/11/2023)

Web Summit, organised by a Dublin-based company, is a globally renowned tech conference series that spans several international locations. The event brings together an impressive gathering of policymakers, heads of state, as well as founders and CEOs from both established technology companies and burgeoning startups. The representatives of India IP SME Helpdesk will be there to introduce our free of charge intellectual property (IP) support services to European small and medium enterprises that would like to protect and enforce their IP rights in India.