It’s sequel time for last year’s report on key changes in the IP landscape in India with a new 2023 round-up. As before, this article offers a summary of the changes and developments of significance that took place in 2023 in the field of IP law in India – or those that are currently in the pipeline – with the intention of giving readers an idea of what to expect in the coming year. Interpolated in the text are some (hopefully helpful) sidenotes for context and for readers to gain a more holistic understanding of the changes and any residual issues or lacunae that remain. For last year’s round-up, please see “It’s a wrap: IP round-up 2022”.
Key policy changes
Draft Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) (Amendment) Rules 2023
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry published the Draft Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) (Amendment) Rules 2023 (1) for public review and consultation. Under the draft rules, the government has proposed to reduce the fees for various actions. The draft rules, if approved, could be notified as law in the coming year.
Draft Patents (Amendment) Rules 2023
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry published the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) (Amendment) Rules 2023 (2) for public review and consultation. Under the draft rules, several significant changes have been proposed – including changes in opposition procedure. The draft rules, if approved, could be notified as law in the coming year.
