In short
Inovatree handles the full range of intellectual property in India: patents, trademarks, copyright, industrial designs, geographical indications, plant varieties and semiconductor integrated circuit layout-designs. We search, draft, file and prosecute applications before the Indian IP Offices and act against infringement. Patent applications are signed by a registered Indian patent agent (IN/PA/1474).
What we do
Patent filing and prosecution
A patent lets an inventor stop others from making, using, selling or importing the invention for 20 years. In knowledge-based industries it is often the most valuable asset a company owns. We run patentability searches, draft provisional and complete specifications, file in India and through the PCT, and answer examination reports through to grant.
Trademark filing and prosecution
Your brand name and logo carry the goodwill you build with customers, but only a distinctive, registered mark is easy to defend. We search the register, file in the right classes, reply to objections, handle oppositions and keep renewals on time.
Copyright filing and prosecution
Copyright protects literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, software, films and sound recordings. Registration is optional in India but gives you strong evidence of ownership. We register works, draft assignments and licences and advise creators and publishers.
Design filing and prosecution
A registered design protects the shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation and colour combination that give a product its look. We check novelty, classify the design and file it, often alongside a trademark for the same product.
Plant variety protection
Breeders of new plant and seed varieties can protect them under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001. Our IP team prepares and files applications for new and extant varieties.
Geographical indications
A geographical indication links a product to the place it comes from and the qualities that place gives it, whether from climate, soil, method or local skill. Once registered, it stops others using the name on goods that do not meet the standard. We help producer bodies register and police GIs.
Semiconductor layout-designs
Integrated circuit layouts are costly to create and cheap to copy. The Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, 2000 rewards that investment, and we register and protect layout-designs for chip designers.
Infringement and enforcement
Cease and desist notices, oppositions, rectification, injunction suits, John Doe orders and online takedowns, and the defence of infringement claims made against you.
How we work
- 1Understand the asset
We learn what you have created, how you use it and where you sell, so protection matches the business.
- 2Search and advise
A clearance or patentability search tells you what can be protected and what risks exist before you spend on filing.
- 3File and prosecute
We prepare and file the application, track every deadline and answer objections until registration or grant.
- 4Maintain and enforce
Renewals, working statements, watch services and action against copying keep the right valuable.
Frequently asked questions
How long does IP protection last in India?
A patent lasts 20 years from filing. A trademark lasts 10 years and can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely. A registered design lasts 10 years, extendable once by 5 years. Copyright in literary, artistic and musical works generally lasts for the author's lifetime plus 60 years. A geographical indication is registered for 10 years and can be renewed.
Do I need to register copyright in India?
No. Copyright exists automatically when an original work is created. Registration with the Copyright Office is still worth doing because the registration certificate is prima facie evidence of ownership in court.
Can I protect the same product with a design and a trademark?
Often, yes. A design registration protects the new look of a product for up to 15 years, while a trademark protects the brand name, logo or a distinctive shape that indicates origin, and can be renewed indefinitely.
Who signs patent applications at Inovatree?
Patent applications are prepared and signed by a registered Indian patent agent (IN/PA/1474), who also handles examination replies and hearings before the Controller.