Introduction to Patents and Patent Law in India

Patents are a key component of intellectual property and vital to the process of innovation. They serve multiple uses. One is to reward inventors and motivate them to create inventing for the betterment of society, inculcating a culture of innovation. Another is to protect inventors from getting their ideas stolen and profited from by unscrupulous people. In this book we introduce the laws related to patents and Intellectual property in India, as well as an overview of patenting and filing process. We also discuss some tips on how to make a good patent. Covering everything from the fundamentals of intellectual property to the step-by-step procedure for filing a patent, this book demystifies the Indian patent system with real-world examples, diagrams, and actionable insights. It also explores creative strategies to strengthen your patent applications, including design thinking, TRIZ methodology, and innovation frameworks like SCAMPER and Blue Ocean Strategy. Going beyond the technical, the book thoughtfully addresses ethical and social concerns—such as access to medicines, traditional knowledge, software patents, and the global debate on whether patents help or hinder innovation. A special concluding chapter critically examines the current patent regime and proposes forward-thinking reforms and alternatives based on global best practices and Indian philosophical traditions. What you'll learn in this book: Basics of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other IP How to search for prior art and assess patentability How to draft and file patent applications in India Famous patent wars and the lessons they teach Legal remedies for infringement and revocation Challenges in software and AI patenting Philosophical and ethical dimensions of patent law Future alternatives to the traditional patent system