The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued the Draft Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2025, as published in the Official Gazette/Newspaper. But why is this a big update? The government is also asking people from different industries to share their feedback before the new rules are finalized.
Draft Patents Amendment Rules 2025 key changes
Now it’s time to put our attention on the key changes happening in the rule with this amendment.
Decriminalization of certain offenses
Jail punishment is more valid now that the fines have increased..
Fines increased:
- False patent claims: up to ₹10L + ₹1K per day for continued violation.
- Submitting incorrect information to the IPO: at least ₹25 lakh.
- patent agent: Working as a patent agent without registration—up to ₹5L + ₹1K per day
New type of forms:
- Form 32 (for filing a complaint).
- Form 33 (for filing an appeal).
- Determining officers will handle complaints and make decisions, while an appeal authority will review cases if someone challenges the decision.
- The penalty amounts collected will go directly to the central government’s treasury.
Read Also: Make money from a patent
Why India Introduced Draft Patents (Amendment) Rules 2025
Main Goals of the New Rules:
- simplifying how patent violations are addressed.
- removing jail terms for certain offenses.
- using monetary fines instead of imprisonment.
- Also, enhancing the ease of doing business.
- enabling quicker decisions through appointed adjudicating officers.
- Transparency with electronic filing, hearings, and orders.
Who are able to comment on India’s Draft Patents (Amendment) Rules 2025
Some of the stakeholders are:
- Individual inventors and people applying for patents
- Registered patent agents and intellectual property law firms
- Colleges, universities, and research centers
- Startups and companies in the tech sector
- Business and industry groups/associations
- Non-profits and policy organizations focused on innovation
If you are connected in any way to innovation, research, business, or intellectual property, the government wants to hear from you. This means whether you are an inventor, a startup founder, a researcher, a patent lawyer, or even part of an industry group, you can share your thoughts on the Draft Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2025. The consultation is open until August 17, 2025, and feedback can be sent either by email or through a written submission by post. Your input will help shape the final version of the rules before they are officially enforced.
How the New Patent Rules Differ from the Old?
They keep the main reforms from 2024, such as:
- Higher monetary penalties.
- Removal of certain criminal provisions.
- Fully digital system for complaints and appeals.
- The 2025 draft mainly fixes technical issues in the 2024 version.
Key corrections include:
- Proper rule numbering.
- Better formatting for clarity.
Conclusion
The government wants to make the patent system easier by removing some criminal punishments, increasing money fines instead, and shifting the entire enforcement process online. The goal is to cut down legal barriers and promote innovation.
