The WIPO, Cornell University and INSEAD have co-published the 13^th edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII). The GII is now a leading benchmarking tool for business executives, policy makers and others seeking insight into the state of innovation around the world. The core of the GII Report consists of a ranking of world economies’ innovation capabilities and results.

Switzerland, Sweden, United States of America, United Kingdom and Netherlands took the top 5 spots in this year’s GII rankings. Interestingly, India broke into the top 50 rankings for the first time since the inception of the GII ranking system. India also took the top spot in the rankings for the Central and Southern Asia region.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India has decided to block access to 118 mobile apps (including PUBG, APUS Launcher, Baidu, etc.) in view of information available that these apps are engaged in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order. This power has been invoked by the Government under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.

The press release and the complete list of apps which have been blocked can be accessed at -https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1650669.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government of India has launched ‘Chunauti’, a challenge to boost Start-ups and software products with special focus on Tier-II towns of India. The Start-ups selected through this initiative will be provided support in various forms including incubation facilities, mentorship, security testing facilities, access to venture capitalist funding, industry connect as well as advisories in legal, Human Resource (HR), IPR and Patent matters.

Through this initiative, the Government aims to identify around 300 Start-ups and provide them seed fund of up to INR 25 Lakh and other facilities.

The press release can be accessed at – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1649231.

The Myanmar Government announced that the soft opening period of the Myanmar Department of Intellectual Property (MDIP) under its new trademark law will begin on October 1, 2020. Under the soft opening period, all existing holders of trademark registrations in Myanmar viz. those registered with the Office of Registration of Deeds (ORD) will be required to re-file their marks under the new law in order to retain their protection under the new system.

The Central Government has amended the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules. Some of the amendments of primary significance are:

1. The rules now permit for an application for registration as an authorized user to be made solely by a person claiming to be the producer of the registered GI (as opposed to a joint application to be made by the producer and the registrant of the GI).
2. The Registrar shall register the authorized user after completion of the advertisement period or dismissal of the opposition (whichever is applicable). The requirement of filing an application under Form GI-3 by an applicant for entry in the register as an authorized user and issuance of the registration certificate has been done away with.
3. The Official Fee for application for registration of an authorized user has reduced to INR 10 (from INR 500).
4. The Official Fee for renewal of registration of an authorized user has reduced to INR 10 (from INR 1000).

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) (Amendment) Rules, 2020 can be accessed at – http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/221348.pdf