RIYADH DESIGN LAW TREATY : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NEWS:  India signs the Final Act of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty

 

 

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

India signed the Riyadh Design Law Treaty under WIPO to streamline industrial design protection, benefiting startups, SMEs, and innovators with simplified and efficient registration processes. This aligns with India’s initiatives like the National IPR Policy and SIPP Scheme to foster innovation and strengthen its IP ecosystem.

India Signing the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT)

About the Treaty

  • Adopted by WIPO after two decades of negotiations.
  • Harmonizes procedural frameworks for industrial design protection, enabling easier and more efficient registration across jurisdictions.
  • Benefits SMEs, startups, and independent designers by streamlining processes.

Key Provisions of the DLT

  • Relaxed time limits and reinstatement of lost rights.
  • Simplified procedures for filing multiple designs, recording assignments, and licenses.
  • Promotes electronic systems for industrial design registration and document exchanges.

India’s IPR Initiatives

  • National IPR Policy 2016: Comprehensive framework promoting innovation and IP protection.
  • Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM): Coordinates IPR policy implementation.
  • National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM): Imparts IP awareness in educational institutions.
  • SIPP Scheme: Supports startups in protecting and managing IP assets.

What is Intellectual Property?

  • Definition: Creations of the mind, protected by laws like patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
  • Types of IP:
    1. Patent: Protects inventions.
    2. Copyright: Safeguards literary and artistic works.
    3. Trademark: Distinguishes goods/services of enterprises.
    4. Industrial Design: Protects aesthetic aspects of articles.
    5. Geographical Indications: Highlights origin-specific qualities of goods.
    6. Trade Secrets: Protects confidential business information.

Significance

India’s move will empower startups and SMEs, boosting innovation, competitiveness, and market growth.