IRR-Intellectual Property Rights and Patent Law
Name: Soumyadeep Das Bhowmick
Roll: 18730621033
Reg No: 211870130610036
Dept: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Batch: 2021-25
Year: 4th
Semester: 8th
Subject: Research Methodology
Code: OEC-AIML 802B
Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Definition: Legal rights that protect creations of the mind, ensuring exclusive ownership and
usage rights.
Importance: Encourages innovation, promotes creativity, boosts economic growth, and
provides a competitive edge.
Forms of IPR:
Patents – Grant exclusive rights to inventors for new products, processes, or
technologies.
Copyrights – Protect original works like books, music, films, software, and artistic
creations.
Trademarks – Safeguard brand identity through unique names, logos, slogans, and
symbols.
Trade Secrets – Cover confidential business information, formulas, and strategies that
provide a competitive advantage.
Role in Business & Research:
Protects investments in innovation and R&D.
Prevents unauthorized reproduction, imitation, or exploitation of intellectual assets.
Enhances market value and credibility of businesses.
Encourages knowledge-sharing while maintaining ownership rights.
Types of Intellectual Property
Patents: Protect inventions, new technologies, and innovative processes by
granting exclusive rights to inventors.
Trademarks: Safeguard brand names, logos, slogans, and other identifiers that
distinguish products or services in the market.
Copyrights: Provide legal protection for creative works such as books, music, films,
software, and artistic expressions.
Trade Secrets: Secure confidential business information, including formulas,
manufacturing processes, and strategies (e.g., Coca-Cola formula).
Industrial Designs & Geographical Indications:
Industrial Designs: Protect the aesthetic or ornamental aspects of a product,
ensuring its unique visual appeal.
Geographical Indications (GI): Preserve the identity of region-specific
products, linking them to their place of origin (e.g., Darjeeling Tea,
Champagne).
Patent Law
What is a Patent?
A patent grants exclusive rights to an inventor for a specific invention, preventing others
from making, using, or selling it without permission. It encourages technological
advancements by rewarding innovation.
Types of Patents:
Utility Patents: Cover new and useful processes, machines, or compositions of
matter.
Design Patents: Protect the unique visual appearance or ornamental design of a
product.
Plant Patents: Granted for new, distinct plant varieties that are asexually
reproduced.
Patent Requirements:
Novelty: The invention must be new and not previously disclosed.
Non-obviousness: It should not be an obvious improvement over existing
technologies.
Industrial Applicability: The invention must be practical and capable of being used
in an industry.
Patent Duration:
Typically lasts 20 years from the filing date, after which the invention enters the public
domain. Maintenance fees are required to keep the patent valid.
Rights of a Patent Holder:
Right to manufacture, sell, or license the invention.
Right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the patented technology.
Ability to take legal action against unauthorized use or infringement.
Patent Filling Process & Requirements
Step 1: Conduct a Patent Search
Before filing, a thorough search is conducted to check for existing patents and
ensure the invention is unique. This helps avoid legal conflicts and strengthens the
application.
Step 2: Draft a Detailed Patent Application
The application must include a clear description, technical drawings, and well-
defined claims outlining the invention’s scope and functionality. Professional patent
drafting increases approval chances.
Step 3: File with the Patent Office
Submit the application to the relevant authority, such as USPTO (USA), WIPO
(International), or the Indian Patent Office. Filing can be done nationally or
internationally, depending on market needs.
Step 4: Examination and Review
The patent office examines the application for novelty, non-obviousness, and
industrial applicability. The inventor may need to respond to objections or provide
clarifications.
Step 5: Approval and Publication
Once approved, the patent is granted and published, making it publicly available
while ensuring exclusive rights for the inventor.
Step 6: Maintenance and Renewal
Regular maintenance fees are required to keep the patent active for up to 20
years. Failure to pay may lead to expiration, allowing public use of the invention.
IRR Challenges & Case Studies
Common Challenges:
Patent Trolls: Entities that acquire patents solely to sue others for infringement without producing any
innovations.
Infringement: Unauthorized use of patented technology, trademarks, or copyrighted works.
High Costs of Enforcement: Legal battles over intellectual property can be expensive and time-
consuming.
Case Study 1: Apple vs. Samsung – Smartphone Patent Wars
Apple and Samsung were engaged in a long legal battle over smartphone design and functionality patents.
The dispute led to significant legal settlements and changes in design strategies.
Case Study 2: Pharmaceutical Patents – Patent Disputes Over Life-Saving Drugs
Many pharmaceutical companies fight over drug patents, affecting the availability of affordable medicines.
Generic drug manufacturers often challenge patents to ensure wider accessibility.
Case Study 3: Google’s Android vs. Oracle (Java API Copyright Case)
Oracle sued Google for using Java APIs in the Android operating system. The case raised questions about
copyright limitations on software and fair use of APIs in development.
Role of Governments:
Strengthening IP laws to prevent misuse and patent trolling.
Ensuring fair use while protecting the rights of innovators.
Encouraging open innovation and balancing patent protection with public interest.
Conclusion & Future of IPR
Evolving Technologies:
The rise of AI-generated patents challenges traditional patent laws, requiring new legal
frameworks.
Blockchain technology is being explored for secure and transparent IP protection.
Globalization & IPR:
Cross-border enforcement remains a challenge as IP laws vary by country.
International cooperation is crucial to prevent IP theft and ensure uniform protection.
Need for Balance:
IPR must encourage innovation while ensuring accessibility to essential knowledge and
technology.
Striking a balance between protection and public interest is essential, especially in healthcare
and software industries.
Role of WIPO & International Laws:
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) plays a key role in harmonizing IP laws
globally.
International treaties like TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)
ensure fair protection across nations.
Final Thought:
Stronger IPR laws foster innovation, attract investments, and drive economic growth.
The future of IPR lies in adapting to technological advancements while maintaining equitable
access to knowledge and innovation.
Thank You!
