New Payment Gateway Integrated to e-Filing System Launched

Indian Patent Office Becomes First IPO in the World to Introduce Real Time Transparency

Shri Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India inaugurated a new office building constructed for the Intellectual Property Office of India in New Delhi on September 8, 2014. The building is dedicated to the functioning of the Indian Patent Office as International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

The ISA/IPEA building is constructed under plan scheme of the Government of India, 'Modernization and Strengthening of Intellectual Property Offices', at an expenditure of Rs 30.2 crore, provides ample space and facilities for proper management of ISA/IPEA operations. The building has state of the art infrastructure and a hall of fame to showcase & highlight the notable products protected by intellectual property.

A new payment gateway integrated to the e-filing system of the Intellectual Property Office was also inaugurated by Shri Kant. This facility enables payment using internet banking, credit cards or debit cards of more than 70 Banks as against internet banking of 2 banks earlier. The comprehensive e-filing facility covering all Forms was made available earlier by IPO for patents and for trademarks. Through the launch of new payment gateway, the online filing which has already shown a quick leap from 25% to 75 % is expected to increase further.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary said that the Intellectual Property Office of India has infrastructure that matches the best in the world. He stated that it is commendable that the office is functioning in a fully electronic environment and has established the highest standards of transparency. He said that this office under the Government of India is a unique blend of great hardware and software. He stressed the importance of intellectual property in upgrading the manufacturing abilities of the fledgling Indian manufacturing sector. He informed that the government will be soon formulating an IPR policy.

During the occasion, Shri Kant released the first issue of IP Expressionsa technical magazine that provides a platform for the officials of IPO to share the knowledge and experience gained in the field of intellectual property. Starting initially as a biannual publication, the IP Expressions is expected to benefit the IP fraternity, researchers, students, academicians and public at large as a source of IP information.

Shri Amitabh Kant also launched the latest innovation in transparency offered by the Indian Patent Office namely the 'Stock and Flow'. This facility already existing for trademarks has been extended to patents also from today onwards. Through this facility the work happening in the entire Patent office is being thrown open to the world. The stock and flow in the Patent Offices at different locations is shown on a real time basis on the official website. IPO is the first among intellectual property offices across the world to achieve this ultimate transparency.

Addressing the gathering Shri D V Prasad, Joint Secretary, DIPP said that tremendous administrative reforms have been taking place in the IP offices during the recent years. In transparency initiatives, the office excels other intellectual property offices across the world. He informed that in order to achieve speedy disposal of IP applications, there will be further augmentation of infrastructure and manpower in the intellectual property offices during the 12th Five Year Plan.

The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Shri Chaitanya Prasad in his introductory speech stated that the office is set to further upgrade its infrastructure to fulfill the increasing commitment. The building inaugurated today is planned for eight floors and only two floors along with the basement have been constructed now. Further floors will be constructed during the 12th Plan. IPO believes in absolute transparency and the Controller General expressed hope that the stakeholders would find the newly launched payment gateway as well as the Stock and Flow convenient and satisfactory.

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