Patent Guidelines for Computer Inventions Kept in Abeyance
What happened
Om Prakash Gupta ordered that the 2015 Guidelines for Examination of Computer Related Inventions (CRIs) be kept in abeyance. This decision was made pending the completion of discussions with stakeholders and the resolution of contentious issues regarding the guidelines. The guidelines had been notified on August 21, 2015.
From legallyindia.com
Why it matters
The 2015 Guidelines were criticized by software programmers and startups because they allowed patents for computer programs and mathematical methods. Critics argued this contradicted Section 3(k) of the Indian Patents Act 1970 and exposed software companies to perpetual risk of patent infringement.
From legallyindia.com
Who's involved
- Om Prakash GuptaController General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, who issued the order.
- governmentThe governing body responsible for the patent guidelines.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- governmentSpeculative
The software industry might see changes in investment and revenue streams due to the regulatory pause on patent guidelines.
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The entities involved
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government
system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state