The Controller General of Patents, Design and Trademarks (CGPDTM) PH Kurian has said that budget constraints are hindering the reforms in the functioning of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
IPO reforms are essential to implement its role as an International Searching Authority (ISA) under the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Though IPO was recognised as an ISA and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) by WIPO in January 2008, it is yet to become operational.
Earlier this week, Kurian had assured WIPO director general Francis Gurry that India will be functioning as an ISA by June 2010. This would enable Indian companies to apply for global patents by filing their applications in India . As an ISA, the major functions of the IPO will be to approve or establish the title and conduct international searches.
Speaking to FE, Kurian said ?We want to streamline the functioning of IPO but due to a financial crunch, overall modernisation and introduction of latest technology at the IPO is getting delayed, which will bring it at par with international standards.? He said the revenue generated by IPO is only through the application fee, which is much lesser than the expenditures of the office and much more financing is required for the modernisation of IPO.
The budget allocated to the office of CGPDTM is estimated to be Rs 35 crore for the year 2009-10, which is more than last year?s (2008-09) allocation of Rs 25.10 crore.
However, the budget allocated for modernisation and strengthening of Intellectual Property Office for the year 2009-10 is estimated to be Rs 25 crore, which is much lesser than last year?s allocation of 40 crore.