CGPDTM revised guidelines for Computer Related Inventions

The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDT) has issued an order excluding software patents in its revised guidelines for Computer Related Inventions (CRIs).

Flash points

• The new order clearly mentions that, mere computer programmes those not in conjunction with a novel hardware will not be granted patent in India
• The new guidelines Follow CGPDT’s stay on the revised guidelines issued in August 2015 which have allowed the patenting of software
• Earlier, CGPDTM had agreed with a Parliamentary Panel which had observed thatcomputer programmes as such are not intended to be granted patent as perPatents Act, 1970
• The sub-section 3(k) of Act mentions that mathematical methods or business methods or computer programme or algorithms are not patentable.

Points to note

• CGPDTM is a nodal agency that supervises IPR rights in India
• It is under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• O.P.Gupta-officer of CGPDTM