There is an urgent need to build up IP awareness to augment domestic filing of IP applications, said Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

He was speaking at a conference on 'Fostering Innovations and Creativity in Indian Industry through Intellectual Property for Higher Growth Trajectory' on Saturday.

"Domestic filing of patent applications has been around 20-22 per cent only. The low level of IP awareness in all sectors, lack of knowledge on IP creation, protection and utilisation and benefits of IPRs on the part of industries, academic institutes and public funded organisations, and PSUs are the main reasons,” Kant added.

In the recently amended patent rules, substantial concessions have been given in all types of patent fees to small entities.

“Online filing of all forms in patents and trademarks has been introduced which will facilitate the users of the system to file their applications directly to the IP offices by using facilities, which in the long run will save their time, money and efforts. The monetary relief has been provided through the amendment of patent rules to the applicants filing their documents by online mode," he added.

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