The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported in a recent press release that for the first time in 11 years, the number of domestic patent filings has surpassed the number of international filings at the Indian Patent Office. Out of the total 19,796 patent applications filed in Jan-Mar 2022, 10,706 were filed by Indian applicants and 9,090 by non-Indian applicants. The Ministry has termed this a significant milestone in the Indian IP innovation ecosystem.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1815852

The Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM) has issued guidelines for ‘Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities’. The Office has stated that it has initiated steps to make its website(s), facilities, systems and processes more accessible, in line with The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016. A nodal officer has also been appointed to address the needs of attorneys, agents and others with disabilities.

You can read the guidelines here.

The Supreme Court Advocates On Record Association (SCAORA) has filed an urgent application before the Supreme Court for restoration of the relaxation on all periods of limitation, citing the recent surge in Covid cases due to the Omicron variant. The Supreme Court had earlier put limitation periods in abeyance by its orders dated March 23, 2020 and April 27, 2021. On September 23, 2021, observing that the pandemic had eased, the Supreme Court had lifted the abeyance.

Source:

1. https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/covid-spike-scaora-moves-sc-to-restore-relaxation-on-limitation-period-for-filing-court-cases/408358
2. https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/scaora-moves-supreme-court-seeking-revival-of-orders-extending-statutory-limitation-period-188793

The Delhi High Court recently issued two public notices (dated November 10) to announce the intention of its IP Division to fix/revise the royalties for FM broadcasting of sound recordings and underlying works, as mandated under Section 31D of the Copyright Act, 1957.

In this connection, written suggestions (with evidence) have been invited from stakeholders by December 10, 2021.

Read notices here and here.

The High Court of Delhi issued an Office Order (dated October 29, 2021) directing a resumption of physical hearings in the High Court as well as in the Registrar and Joint Registrar (Judicial) courts, effective from November 22. It is noted that the courts may allow hybrid/virtual hearings upon request from the parties or their counsels. Pending routine/non-urgent matters scheduled between November 8 to 18, have been adjourned en bloc to after December 23.

Source: http://delhihighcourt.nic.in/writereaddata/Upload/PublicNotices/PublicNotice_XBERM7W0QF2.PDF