Inauguration of the newly-expanded International Searching Authority Building of IPO

Why in News ?

• Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the newly-expanded International Searching Authority (ISA) Building of Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Dwarka, New Delhi.
• The move reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthen India’s intellectual property framework and promote innovation.

Intellectual Property Office (IPO)

Definition and Objectives:

• The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) administers matters relating to patents, trademarks, copyrights and designs in India.
• Its main objective is to provide legal protection to innovation and creativity and to develop intellectual property.

Structure and Departments:

• The IPO comprises the office of the Controller General of Patents, Trademarks, Designs and Copyrights (CGPDTM).
• It has technical, legal and international affairs divisions.

International Role:

• IPO acts as the International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) at the international level.
• It strengthens India’s role in global intellectual property processes under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Key Activities:

• Accepting and evaluating applications for patents, trademarks, copyrights and designs.
• Promoting research and innovation.
• Organizing international and national level programs for training and capacity building.

Importance:

• IPO is the hub of innovation and intellectual property ecosystem in India.
• It keeps the country competitive in innovation and research at the global level.

Patents, Trademarks Copyright, and Industrial Designs:

• These are different aspects of intellectual property.
• These legal instruments help businesses to earn profits from their creations.

Patent:

• It is a legal right that gives the privilege to make, use, sell or license a new invention.
• The term of a patent is 20 years.

Trademark:

• Protects brand identity.
• It is associated with symbols, words, logos, or marks.
• The term of a trademark is 10 years.
• After this, the trademark can be extended indefinitely at 10-10 year intervals.

Industrial Design:

• Protects the appearance or aesthetic features of a product.
• Industrial design includes both two-dimensional and three-dimensional features.
• The term of industrial design is 10 years + 5 years.

Copyright:

• It gives the author, artist or manufacturer legal rights over their creative work.
• It applies to works such as literature, music, drama, painting, film, etc.
• The rights include copying, distribution, performance and adaptation.
• The protection period in India is death of author + 60 years.

Note: World Intellectual Property Day is observed every year on 26 April.