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Patents
                 A patent is  a legal protection granted by a government that  provides
                 an inventor with exclusive rights to their invention for a limited period.
                 In return, the inventor must  disclose  the invention’s  details  publicly, fostering
                 knowledge sharing and technological progress.  It covers  inventions such as
                 products, processes, machines, or compositions of matter that are new, useful,
                 and non-obvious.

                 The patenting framework in India is regulated by the Patents Act of 1970, along
                 with subsequent amendments. This legislation fosters a favourable environment
                 for research and development while protecting inventors’ rights and encouraging industrial growth. Over the
                 years, India has seen a significant increase in patent activity, reflecting its expanding ambitions in scientific
                 research and technology-driven sectors.
                 Patents  in India are  now being widely  applied  beyond the pharmaceutical  sector,  gaining  prominence in
                 various technological fields. Indian software companies are increasingly securing patents for their creations
                 on both  domestic and  international fronts.  In the  agricultural  sector,  innovations in seeds,  fertilizers, and
                 machinery  are being safeguarded through patents. Similarly, the  renewable energy industry has seen  a
                 notable  rise in patents for solar, wind,  and  biomass  energy  technologies, emphasising sustainability  and
                 eco-friendly progress.

                 Patent journals are published regularly and provide insights into the types of inventions and innovations
                 being patented. (https://search.ipindia.gov.in/DynamicUtility/Journal/Patent)
                 Trademarks

                 A trademark  is a  category of intellectual property, comprising a  unique
                 symbol, design, or  expression that  serves to identify and  differentiate a
                 product  or  service from its competitors and  highlights its origin.  Such
                 trademarks cannot be used by other companies. The validity of trademarks
                 remains with the parent company for 7 years which may continue,  if the
                 company renews the licence.

                 Importance of Trademark

                 Ð ÐTrademarks assist consumers in identifying the origin of products or services.
                 Ð ÐThey establish definitive ownership and rights, which help deter counterfeiting and infringement.
                 Ð ÐThis empowers consumers to make thoughtful choices based on their previous interactions with the brand.

                 Ð ÐThey provide a guarantee that consumers are receiving what they anticipate, based on their familiarity with
                    the brand.

                 Forms of Trademarks

                 Trademarks can take various forms, such as:
                 Ð ÐWords: Names, slogans, tag lines (e.g., “Think Different”).

                 Ð ÐSymbols:  Logos,  icons, graphic  designs (e.g.,  Apple’s
                    bitten apple logo).

                 Ð ÐSounds: Jingles, musical  themes, or audio cues (e.g.,
                    McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle).


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