Indian patent office begins data compilation on 'working patents'

In what is perceived as likely to be an enormous task, the Indian government - for the first time - has started the process of compiling data on the status of the valid patents granted during the last over 20 years in the country.

Aiming to codify a data to make it available to the public, the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks has asked patentees and licensees to provide information 'on working of patents' before March 31, 2010, reports the PharmaBoz.com news service. The Controller General of Patents has also warned that any failure to comply with the order will attract punishment.

In a notification dated December 24, 2009, the Controller General of Patents said: 'All patentees and licensees are required to furnish information in Form No 27 on working of patents as prescribed under section 146 of the Patents Act (as amended) read with Rule 131 of the Patents Rule 2003 (as amended). Attention of the patentees/licensees are also invited to provisions of section 122 of the Patents Act, 1970 (as amended) wherein penalty is prescribed for non-submission of such information.'