Govt approves Rs 309.6 cr scheme to modernise IP offices

The government today approved the continuation of a Rs 309.6 crore-scheme to modernise and strength Intellectual Property (IP) offices during the 12th Plan period.
The overall project cost would be Rs 309.6 crore, of which Rs 258 crore will be spent during 12th Plan and Rs 51.6 crore in the 13th Plan.
"The implementation of the scheme will strengthen the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks and address the increase in the number of filings of IP applications," an official statement said.
It will also address the growing international commitments due to the operationalisation of the Madrid Protocol and status of International Search Authority (ISA)/ International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA).

"With this move, India's IP offices will become state-of-the art and will be comparable to the best of the offices in the world," an official said.
"In the 12th Plan the focus would be on enhancement of human resources, upgradation of IT and database, construction of buildings, improvement in library facilities and sensitization and awareness creation on Intellectual Property Right matters," the statement said.
The growing importance of intellectual property in a globalized economic environment has placed greater demand on the IP institutional structure.
To enhance human resources, additional 666 posts for patents and designs would be created. The total expenditure on human resource is estimated at Rs 147.02 crore.