Race To Upgrade India’s Patent Processing System: TCS, Wipro And Tech Mahindra Battle It Out

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro and Tech Mahindra are competing to secure the contract for implementing latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) in the patent processing system, Financial Express has reported.

The office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has shortlisted ten companies out of 19 bids it received. CGPDTM falls under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. It is responsible for the administration of all major intellectual property rights (IPR) legislation in the country.

Other companies which are in the race include Talwar & Talwar Consultants, eMudhra, Evon Technologies, JK Technosoft, Gridlogics Technologies, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Tarsha Systems, according to a CGPDTM notification. The technological upgradation is aimed at enhancing the speed, efficiency and productivity in the processing of applications. CGPDTM will now host a limited tender to choose a vendor.

Both national and international players having a proven track record in implementing such systems have been invited to take part in CGPDTM’s exercise. The prospective vendor is allowed to suggest other technologies that can help in achieving the same objectives.

CGPDTM is currently working to improve the IPR ecosystem in the country. In the recent past, the time taken for processing a patent has come down to three years. Earlier, the process used to consume up to five years, or even longer, in some cases.