In a significant move to streamline the Indian patent practice and procedures, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which administers Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, notified, and published the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024 (“Patent Amendment Rules”) in the Official Gazette of India on 15 March 2024. These amended rules are effective from 15 March 2024.

Key changes made to the Patents Rules, 2003 (“The Patents Rules”) are highlighted hereunder.

The amendment of the Patents Rules is a welcome move from the Indian Government, which also manifests their commitment to creating a user-friendly ecosystem for patents, designs, trademarks, GI (Geographical Indication) systems in India. The Patent Amendment Rules would indeed accelerate patent filing and granting procedures in India and promote an innovative culture among innovators.