DPIIT Bans Unauthorised Use of Indian Patent Office Logo by Agencies
· Business · The Hindu, Zee News
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a public notice prohibiting any individual, business entity, digital platform, or legal practitioner from using the official logo of the Indian Patent Office (IPO) without prior written approval. The notice highlights unauthorised use by individuals, agencies, and online platforms on websites, social media, marketing materials, and advertisements, creating a misleading impression of government endorsement. The IPO logo, an official government identifier under DPIIT, is protected as a statutory authority mark, and unauthorised use is deemed fraudulent, potentially misleading stakeholders and applicants. The order specifically targets unauthorised service providers, including startups and MSMEs, urging them to verify credentials and rely solely on the official IPO portal for patent registration services. The move comes amid reports of a black market for fake patents in India.
Why it matters
This directive directly impacts startups, MSMEs, and legal practitioners who may have unknowingly used the IPO logo, risking legal action and reputational damage. The public is also warned against relying on unauthorised services, protecting them from potential fraud and misinformation in intellectual property matters. The order strengthens oversight of patent registration processes, ensuring transparency and trust in India’s IP ecosystem.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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