Fast Track Process For Backlogs In IPO

INTRODUCTION

The grant of patents can be viewed as an achievement/ reward for innovators and applicants as they enjoy monopoly and the privilege to keep others from attempting to infringe their patents. In a case where the grant procedure is postponed, which can be up to several years, the inventors fear that their technology may become outdated in the interim. With respect to the corporates, a deferred handling of the patent application is exceptionally disappointing as the patent working and licensing plans are disturbed. Indian Patent Office, for many years has been criticized for delayed process of grant of patent. However, there's a positive approach to the IPO process, where the patents are being granted in 11- 13 months from the date of First Examination Report (FER). However, recently there has been an instance where the patent was granted within four months and in another case in 8 to 9 months, wherein the objections were dealt with oral hearings, which