India’s top intellectual property watchdog on Friday asked a court to consider the issue of trademark law, and said it will take steps to prevent misuse of intellectual property rights.
Under the Indian Trademark Act, Indian citizens are allowed to register their own names, trademarks and logos in various areas of the country.
But trademark applications need to be registered by Indian entities, such as companies, or in the name of a public body, such to be allowed to stand on legal grounds.
India has no statutory law on trademark law.
The Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Foundation of India, which has been pushing for the law reform, said on Friday that it will seek clarification from the Supreme Court on the issue.
“We will take the necessary steps to stop misuse of Indian trademarks,” said an email from the organisation to media.
The organisation said the issue is an urgent priority for the country, as it has a $1 trillion economy.
“The current situation is not good for India’s economy and the economy needs to get better,” said Shubhra Singh, an associate professor at the Centre for International Business Studies (CIIBS) in New Delhi.
“India needs to be a global leader in the digital age.
Trademark laws have become a barrier to this.”
A trademark in India is registered by an owner and, as such, it is the property of the owner.
Trademarks are a way to mark goods and services and make it clear that they are produced by a person or company.
They can also be used for marketing purposes.
