Draft Trade Marks(Amendment) Rules 2011 notified
November 03, 2011

The Indian Government has proposed the Amendment of Trade Marks Rules, 2002 for making e-filing of trademark application mandatory. These rules have been notified on October 13, 2011 and will come into force after 45 days from the date of availability of Gazette of India to public in which the Trade Marks(Amendment) Rules, 2011 have been published. These rules are open for comments from public or interested parties. The copy of these rules can be obtained from here.

The Indian Government approved National Manufacturing Policy
October 25, 2011

The Cabinet approved the revised proposal of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry to put in place a National Manufacturing Policy.The major objectives of the National Manufacturing Policy are to increase the sectoral share of manufacturing in GOP to at least 25% by 2022; to increase the rate of job creation so as to create 100 million additional jobs by 2022; and to enhance global competitiveness, domestic value addition, technological depth and environmental sustainability of growth.

Government invites suggestions of public on ‘FDI in Pharmaceuticals Sector’.
October 18, 2011

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has invited suggestions of public including experts, institutionson or organisations on ‘FDI’ in Pharmaceuticals Sector’. The memorandum may, inter alia include issues like expectations from FDI in pharmaceuticals sector in the context of country’s social and cultural mileu, quality of FDI inflow in green field and brown field pharma projects, impact of recent brown field mergers/acquisitions/takeovers on domestic pharma industry, impetus on investments in R&D and technology transfer due to FDI in the sector, the impact or likely impact of FDI on drug prices, efficacy and structure of regulation mechanism, if any, to be placed on FDI inflow so as to ensure balance between business and public interest, structure of Indian pharma industry and its social responsibility in terms of access and cost, ways and means to ensure availability of cheap drugs to people at large etc. Those desirous of submitting their views and suggestions to the Committee may send their written memoranda (either in English or Hindi) till November 01, 2011.

TRAI limits the unsolicited commercial calls and sms
September 28, 2011

TRAI has implemented the all provisions of “The Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2010” with effect from 27th September 2011. The regulations prescribe several steps for protection of customers from unsolicited Commercial calls and SMSs. Currently, Telecom service providers offer SMS packages offering as many as 2000 SMS per day, which can be made use of by unregistered persons for sending commercial communications from ordinary numbers. In order to reduce such a possibility, TRAI has, in consumer interest, prescribed a limit of 100 SMS per day per SIM for all the customers.In order to address the genuine requirements of customers, TRAI has issued a Direction on 27th September 2011 exempting certain categories from the limit of 100 SMS per day. These are telecom service providers and their agents for sending electronic recharge messages, e-ticketing agencies, certain social networking sites and certain Directory services.

DIPP releases discussion paper on utility models
May 13, 2011

The Department of Industries and Public Policy of India has released a discussion paper to introduce a system of Utility Models in India. This system will help in protecting grass root innovations which do not satisfy the patentability criteria under Indian Patent Laws. The DIPP seeks specific views and suggestions on Section X of the paper entitled ‘Issues for Resolution’ and any related issues. These issues comprise the requirements, scope, criteria for granting protection and enforcement procedure to be adopted.

DIPP published the Manual of GI Practice and Procedure
July 27, 2011

The Manual of Geographical Indications Practice and Procedure has been published on 27th July 2011 by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks. A comprehensive information related to GI has been provided in manual in detail including the evolution of GI (Geographic Indications), the Geographical Indications of Goods ( Registration and Protection) Act 1999, Filing of GI applications, Examination, Opposition, Authorized User Registration etc.