What we do
Our work in this practice group is structured around the records, deadlines, and decisions involved:
- Preliminary assessment of the proposed invention.
- Assistance with patentability and prior-art search.
- Guidance on provisional and complete patent applications.
- Specification and patent documentation support.
- Assistance with patent application filing and prescribed forms.
- Support with examination reports and objections.
- Follow-up support through the patent grant process.
How the engagement works
Patent applications in India are primarily governed by the Patents Act, 1970 and the Patents Rules, 2003, as amended. A patent application may generally be filed with a provisional or complete specification. Where a provisional specification is filed, the complete specification must generally be filed within 12 months from the provisional filing date. The application process can involve publication, request for examination, examination by the Patent Office, responses to objections, hearings where required, and grant subject to the applicable statutory requirements. The current Indian Patent Office filing process identifies Form 1 for the application, Form 2 for provisional or complete specifications, and Form 18/18A for examination requests. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Scenario 1: A startup has developed a new technical product or process and wants to explore patent protection before commercial launch.
Scenario 2: An inventor has developed an innovative device, manufacturing process, software-related technical solution, or other potentially patentable invention.
Scenario 3: A business wants to conduct a preliminary patent search before investing in product development or commercialization.
Scenario 4: An applicant wants to file a provisional specification to establish an early priority date while continuing development of the invention.
Scenario 5: A patent application has received examination objections and the applicant needs professional assistance with preparing a response or further proceedings.
Invention Assessment
We understand the invention, technical problem, proposed solution, novelty, functionality, development stage, inventors, ownership, and intended commercial use.
Patentability & Prior-Art Search
We assist with preliminary searches of existing patent and technical literature to identify potentially relevant prior art and assess the feasibility of pursuing patent protection.
Filing Strategy
We advise on the appropriate filing approach, including provisional or complete specification, applicant structure, inventorship, priority considerations, and relevant documentation.
General questions
01What is a patent?
A patent is a statutory right granted for an invention that satisfies the applicable requirements under patent law. It can provide the patentee with exclusive rights over the patented invention for the statutory period, subject to the Patents Act and applicable conditions.
02What inventions can be patented in India?
An invention generally needs to satisfy the applicable requirements of patentability, including novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, and must not fall within the categories excluded from patentability under the Patents Act.
03What is a provisional patent application?
A provisional specification can be filed to establish an early priority date while the invention is still being developed. When a provisional specification is filed, the complete specification generally needs to be filed within 12 months.
04What is a complete specification?
A complete specification fully and particularly describes the invention and sets out the claims defining the scope of patent protection. It is a critical techno-legal document in the patent application process.
05What documents are required for patent filing?
Depending on the application, documents may include the application form, provisional or complete specification, drawings where applicable, abstract, inventor details, applicant information, declarations, priority documents where applicable, and authorization documents. The exact requirements depend on the filing circumstances.
06What is a patent examination?
After the prescribed request for examination is filed, the Patent Office examines the application for compliance with the applicable requirements, including patentability and other statutory requirements. The applicant may need to respond to objections raised during examination.
07What happens if the Patent Office raises objections?
The applicant can generally respond to the examination report within the prescribed procedure and may need to amend the specification or claims, provide arguments, or attend a hearing where required. The appropriate response depends on the specific objections.
08How long does patent registration take?
The timeline varies significantly depending on whether standard examination or Form 18A expedited examination (available for Startups, MSMEs, female applicants, etc.) is pursued, examination process, objections, amendments, and Patent Office workload.
09Can you handle the complete patent registration process?
Yes. We can assist with invention assessment, preliminary patent search, filing strategy, specification preparation, application filing, examination request (including Form 18A expedited examination support), objection responses, hearing support, and follow-up through the patent grant process.
