Secure exclusive rights over your invention

What a patent protects

A patent gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, sell or import an invention for a limited time, in return for disclosing how it works. In India patents are granted under the Patents Act, 1970.

What we need from you

• Complete description of the invention with drawings
• Details of all inventors and applicant
• Proof of right to apply, where the applicant is not the inventor
• Prior-art information you already know of
• Power of attorney and applicant identity proof
• Startup or small-entity proof, if you want reduced fees

How the process works

1. Prior-art searchWe check whether your idea is already disclosed before you spend on filing.
2. Provisional filing (optional)Secures an early date while you finish developing the invention.
3. Complete specificationA full technical description and claims are filed, usually within 12 months of a provisional.
4. PublicationApplications are generally published after about 18 months, unless early publication is requested.
5. Request for examinationYou must request examination within the prescribed period.
6. Office action and grantWe reply to objections, and the patent is granted if the examiner is satisfied.

Term and maintenance

• A patent lasts 20 years from the filing date
• Annual renewal fees must be paid to keep it in force
• Lower fees apply to startups, small entities and individuals under the rules
• A patent in India gives protection in India only. Separate filings are needed abroad, such as through the PCT route

Common questions

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