What is a patent and what does it protect?

A patent is a statutory right granted by the government for an invention, which is a new product or process involving an inventive step and capable of industrial application. It protects the invention from being copied or used without permission.

How long is a patent valid in India?

The term of every patent in India is 20 years from the date of filing the patent application, irrespective of whether it is filed with provisional or complete specification.

What are the basic criteria for patentability?

An invention must meet three main criteria to be patentable: it must be novel (new), involve an inventive step (non-obvious to a person skilled in the art), and be capable of industrial application.

Can I patent an idea?

No, mere ideas cannot be patented. A patent is granted only for an invention that is a tangible product or a specific process. The idea must be reduced to a workable form.

What is a provisional patent application?

A provisional application is filed to secure a priority date when the invention is still under development. It must be followed by a complete specification within 12 months, failing which the application will be abandoned.

What is a complete specification?

A complete specification is a detailed legal and technical document that fully describes the invention, including its best method of operation and the specific claims that define the boundaries of the patent protection.

Can software be patented in India?

Computer programs per se are not patentable in India. However, software in combination with novel hardware, resulting in a technical advancement or solving a technical problem, may be patentable.

What cannot be patented under Indian law?

Section 3 of the Indian Patents Act lists non-patentable inventions, including frivolous inventions, traditional knowledge, discoveries of scientific principles, methods of agriculture, and medical treatment procedures.

Is my Indian patent valid worldwide?

No, patents are territorial rights. An Indian patent is only valid within India. To seek protection in other countries, you must file corresponding applications in those jurisdictions or use the PCT route.

What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?

The PCT is an international treaty that allows applicants to seek patent protection for an invention simultaneously in multiple countries by filing a single "international" patent application.

How much does it cost to file a patent?

The cost involves government fees (which are lower for individuals, startups, and MSMEs) and professional attorney fees for drafting and prosecution. The total cost typically ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹80,000+ depending on complexity.

How long does the patent registration process take?

Under the normal route, it can take 3 to 5 years from filing to grant. However, an expedited examination route is available for certain applicants (like startups and females), which can reduce the time to 1-2 years.

What is a First Examination Report (FER)?

An FER is an official communication from the Patent Office detailing objections or requirements after examining the application. The applicant must respond to and resolve these objections to proceed to grant.

Do I need a patent agent to file a patent?

While an inventor can file a patent application themselves, it is highly recommended to use a registered patent agent. Patent drafting and prosecution involve complex legal and technical expertise crucial for robust protection.

Can I sell or license my patent?

Yes, a patent is an intellectual property asset. You can sell it outright (assign) or grant licenses to others to use it in exchange for royalties or other financial benefits.

What happens if someone infringes my patent?

If someone uses your patented invention without authorization, you can file a civil suit for patent infringement in a court of law to seek injunctions, damages, or an account of profits.

Top IP Attorneys
100% Confidential
Comprehensive Prior Art Search
End-to-End Support
Transparent Pricing

Protect Your Innovation

Secure exclusive rights for your invention with a Patent Registration

Safeguard your intellectual property and gain a competitive edge. Fast, reliable, and expert patent filing services in India.

Secure & Private Your data is always safe

Trusted by 10,000+ happy taxpayers across India

No spam. Your information is 100% secure.

Exclusive Rights

Monopolize your market by securing your intellectual property

A patent provides you with the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, offering for sale, selling or importing your invention without your permission. This legal monopoly can last for up to 20 years from the filing date.

By registering your patent, you can commercialize your invention, license it to others for royalties, or sell it outright, turning your innovative ideas into valuable business assets.

Strategic Advantage

Enhance your business valuation and attract potential investors

Investors and venture capitalists highly value startups and companies with a strong intellectual property portfolio. A granted patent demonstrates technological superiority and creates high entry barriers for competitors.

Furthermore, patents can be used defensively to deter competitors from asserting their own patents against you, ensuring your freedom to operate in the market.

Matched to AIS, before the department checks

Your return is reconciled line-by-line with Form 26AS and AIS so TDS mismatches never come back as a notice. Filing is only done after you approve the summary.

Without a Patent vs With Patent Protection

Risk of ideas being stolen or copied
No legal protection against infringement
Lower business valuation
Difficulty in securing venture capital
Loss of competitive market advantage

Exclusive legal rights for 20 years
Strong deterrent against competitors
Increased business valuation and credibility
Ability to monetize through licensing or sale
Strong position for raising capital

How it works

Share your documents

Upload Form 16 and answer a 5-minute questionnaire.
Talk to your expert

Your assigned CA confirms income, deductions and regime on a short call.
Approve the summary

Review the computation and refund estimate; nothing is filed without your OK.
We file & you relax

E-filing, e-verification help and the ITR-V acknowledgement in your inbox.

Comprehensive Guide to Patent Registration AY 2026-27, explained

Patent registration in India is a critical step for inventors and businesses looking to protect their novel and non-obvious inventions. Governed by the Patents Act, 1970, a patent grants the inventor a statutory right for a limited period (usually 20 years) to exclude others from commercially exploiting the invention without consent.

The process involves rigorous technical and legal drafting. It begins with a thorough prior art search to determine patentability. This is followed by drafting a provisional or complete specification, which precisely defines the scope of the invention and its claims. Filing the application correctly is essential to secure a priority date.

Once filed, the application goes through publication and substantive examination. The Indian Patent Office (IPO) issues a First Examination Report (FER) detailing any objections. Responding effectively to these objections is crucial for the successful grant of the patent. Expert assistance ensures your claims are robust and fully protected.

Documents you will need

Form 1 (Application for Grant of Patent)
Form 2 (Provisional or Complete Specification)
Form 3 (Statement and Undertaking)
Form 5 (Declaration as to Inventorship)
Power of Attorney (if filed through a patent agent)
Proof of Right to File (if applicant is not the inventor)

3d-checklist-scroll-with-office-character

Why choose us for this service

Legal Protection

Switched jobs? We merge employers correctly and fix double-counted slabs.

Monetization

Side income reported right, expenses claimed where eligible.

Market Monopoly

Old vs new compared on your real numbers, not thumb rules.

Global Recognition

We monitor your refund until it's credited.

Asset Creation

Missed the deadline or made an error? We fix it.

Notice shield

Filing reconciled with AIS/26AS to prevent the most common notices.

Year-round access

Your expert stays reachable after filing, not just in July.

Complete Patent Registration (Startups/MSMEs) honest pricing

End-to-end patent drafting and filing for Indian Startups, Individuals, and MSMEs.

Single Form 16
HRA & standard deductions
Regime comparison
E-verification support

Everything in Salaried
Multiple Form 16s / job switch
House property & interest income
Capital gains up to 50 trades

Everything in Multi-income
Unlimited capital gains & ESOPs
Foreign income / assets schedule
Priority CA callback

Comprehensive Guide to Patent Registration why it pays to use an expert

Patent registration in India is a critical step for inventors and businesses looking to protect their novel and non-obvious inventions. Governed by the Patents Act, 1970, a patent grants the inventor a statutory right for a limited period (usually 20 years) to exclude others from commercially exploiting the invention without consent.

The process involves rigorous technical and legal drafting. It begins with a thorough prior art search to determine patentability. This is followed by drafting a provisional or complete specification, which precisely defines the scope of the invention and its claims. Filing the application correctly is essential to secure a priority date.

Once filed, the application goes through publication and substantive examination. The Indian Patent Office (IPO) issues a First Examination Report (FER) detailing any objections. Responding effectively to these objections is crucial for the successful grant of the patent. Expert assistance ensures your claims are robust and fully protected.

File with an expert, sleep easy.

Most returns are ready for your approval within 48 hours of document upload.

Get my expert

Monopolize your market by securing your intellectual property

Enhance your business valuation and attract potential investors

Matched to AIS, before the department checks

Without a Patent vs With Patent Protection

How it works

Share your documents

Talk to your expert

Approve the summary

We file & you relax