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Priyanka Vyas

New Delhi, June 5 Patents do not require big bucks and nor do massive R&D spends necessarily translate into an increase in patent filing.

This can be seen from data provided in the latest annual report (2007-08) of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, on R&D expenditure of companies and online records of patents granted to them from 2005 onwards.

In the automobile sector, for instance, TVS, the third largest motorcycle company, has an R&D spend that is one of the lowest among players, but the number of patents in its kitty is way above the rest.

Autoparts makers like Ucal Fuel System, and Sundaram Clayton have also been able to build a reasonable patent portfolio with a relatively low R&D spend.

While patents may not have a direct co-relation to R&D spends, companies that have a substantial number of patents in their belt feel that it has several advantages.

Mahindra & Mahindra, for instance, finds that a larger patent portfolio helps in strengthening its bottomline.

“In the case of Scorpio, we have several patents on advanced electronics and engine technologies and it is our flagship model. Even for the new V-series Scorpio launched with M-hawk engine, we have around 6-7 patents,” said Dr Arun Jaura, Chief Technology Officer, M&M.

Similarly, Ucal finds that its three patents has helped increase its engagement with vehicle manufactures.

“A strong technical understanding that arises out of patents helps us offer our customers better solutions,” said Mr Srinivasan, Deputy General Manager, Ucal.

TVS considers patenting the most significant investment for future products, said Senior Vice-President, Mr R. Chandramouli, outlining the company’s philosophy.

Mr N.K. Minda, Chairman and Managing Director, Minda Industries, agrees. “A wider patent portfolio gives us the opportunity to work with vehicle manufacturers at an early stage of development,” he said.

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