Patent Grant Process in India

 After filing a patent application, the patent applicant can submit an express request for examination to expedite the examination process by filing Form 18A.

​The Indian Patent Office conducts a preliminary examination of the patent application and issues a First Examination Report (FER) outlining any objections or deficiencies in the application.​

​

The applicant must respond to the FER within a specified period (usually six months) by addressing the objections raised by the Patent Office and providing arguments or amendments to overcome the objections.

After reviewing the applicant's response, the Patent Office may issue a Second Examination Report if further clarification or amendments are required.

Filing Response to Second Examination Report: The applicant must again respond to the Second Examination Report within the prescribed timeframe, addressing any remaining objections and providing additional arguments or amendments as necessary.

Attending Online Hearing (if required): In some cases, the Patent Office may schedule an online hearing to discuss the application and address any outstanding issues. The applicant may need to attend the hearing and present their case before the Patent Office.

​

Responding to Objections to Get Patent Grant: The applicant continues to engage with the Patent Office, responding to any additional objections or requests for clarification until all issues are resolved satisfactorily.

​

Grant of Patent: Once the Patent Office is satisfied that all objections have been addressed and the application meets the requirements of the Indian Patents Act, a patent grant is issued, and the applicant's invention is protected under Indian patent law.