Patent Registration in India

Any invention that is new, involves an inventive step (non-obvious), and is capable of industrial application. This includes mechanical devices, chemical processes, biotechnology, and technical implementations of software. Pure software, business methods, and mathematical formulas are not patentable on their own.

20 years from the date of filing the patent application, subject to payment of annual renewal fees. There is no extension beyond 20 years.

A provisional application establishes your priority date without requiring the full specification and claims. It gives you 12 months to file the complete application. It is useful when the invention is still being developed.

Yes. DPIIT-recognised startups and MSMEs get 80% rebate on all government fees. A complete patent application that would cost ₹15,000+ for a large company costs around ₹1,600 for a recognised startup.

The standard track takes 3–5 years from filing to grant. The Expedited Examination track (available to startups) reduces this to 12–18 months.

No. A patent is territorial. An Indian patent gives you rights only in India. For international protection, you must file separately in each country or use the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) route, which covers 150+ countries.

Government fees start at Rs 1,600 for the application (Form 1 + Form 2) for individuals, startups, and small entities — an 80% concession over the Rs 8,000 standard rate for other entities. This is separate from professional filing fees for drafting and prosecution.

You need a detailed description of the invention (how it works and how it is made), drawings or diagrams if applicable, PAN of the applicant, a DPIIT/MSME certificate to claim the fee rebate, and any prior art references you are aware of.