{"id":56538,"date":"2023-05-12T15:44:36","date_gmt":"2023-05-12T10:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/?p=56538"},"modified":"2023-05-12T15:44:38","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T10:14:38","slug":"can-i-obtain-a-patent-for-a-software-related-invention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/can-i-obtain-a-patent-for-a-software-related-invention\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Obtain A Patent For A Software-Related Invention?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In the era of technological advancement, there is a\nneed to protect software-related inventions so that the same software cannot be\nreplicated or misused. Practically, there is nothing in the system without\nsoftware. Everything we see or do in our system is due to the software that we use.\nThe patents that are filed for mobile applications, computer programs, and\nsoftware are basically filed to protect unique features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Software-related patents may be issued in India for\nstandalone software, embedded software in mobile applications, or software and\nhardware combinations. However, patent protection for software as a whole is\nnot permitted in Indian law, making it illegal to patent computer programmes.\nSection 3 of the Indian Patents Act, dealing with non-patentable inventions,\nlays forth this clause. In contrast, the protection of patent software varies\nfrom country to country. Scroll down to check more about Patent for a\nsoftware-related invention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/can-i-obtain-a-patent-for-a-software-related-invention\/#What_is_Patent_Software\" >What is Patent Software?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/can-i-obtain-a-patent-for-a-software-related-invention\/#Whether_You_Can_Obtain_A_Patent_For_A_Software-Related_Invention\" >Whether You Can Obtain A Patent For A Software-Related Invention?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/can-i-obtain-a-patent-for-a-software-related-invention\/#Registration_of_Patent_for_Software-Related_Invention_in_India\" >Registration of Patent for Software-Related Invention in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/can-i-obtain-a-patent-for-a-software-related-invention\/#Software_and_Patent\" >Software and Patent<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/can-i-obtain-a-patent-for-a-software-related-invention\/#Is_There_A_Need_To_Reframe_The_Patent_Laws_In_India\" >Is There A Need To Reframe The Patent Laws In India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/can-i-obtain-a-patent-for-a-software-related-invention\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Patent_Software\"><\/span>What is Patent Software?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When talking about patents there are two types of\npatents. One is the design patent that protects the aesthetic appeal of any\nproduct. In contrast, another is a utility patent that protects an invention\nand its unique features. Software patent also comes under utility patent, and\nwe cannot legally define the term software patent. Simply put, it protects the\ncomputer programs of the application to restrict others from replicating the\nsame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is becoming vital to protect such programs because,\nwith advancements in technology, it is becoming quite easy to copy the whole source\ncode of any software or program in just a few seconds. There is only one way to\nstop such activities, and that is to make such things illegal. The person\nhaving a patent for an innovation is the owner of his invention, and he has the\nsole right to use his invention as he wants. Furthermore, if anyone uses the\nsame program without the permission of the patent owner, then he will be liable\nfor legal actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whether_You_Can_Obtain_A_Patent_For_A_Software-Related_Invention\"><\/span>Whether You Can Obtain A Patent For A Software-Related Invention?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The obvious response is that one may apply for a\nsoftware patent for one&#8217;s discoveries if they are used digitally. All the Software-related\ninventions like software ideas, computer systems, and even mobile phone\napplications, etc., are all eligible for patent protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You Cannot\nObtain A Patent for Software-Related Inventions If:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The invention is\ncovered under section (3)(m) of <strong>the Patents Act, 1970<\/strong><sup><a href=\"https:\/\/ipindia.gov.in\/writereaddata\/Portal\/IPOAct\/1_31_1_patent-act-1970-11march2015.pdf\"><strong>[1]<\/strong><\/a><\/sup>, which applies when a set of\npatent claims for a web-based software are written without identifying the\napparatus and structural component that the claimed steps operate on.<\/li><li>The patent claims\nmust have structural constraints if they are not to be considered simple processes\nor mental acts that fall under the purview of section (3)(m) of the Patents\nAct, 1970. Web software invention is not patentable due to the claims made\ntherein.<\/li><li>When the patent\nclaims describe computer instructions and logic rather than any structural\nelements of the claimed object, the instructions and logic are nothing more\nthan computer programs in and of themselves. Because of this, the subject\nmatter of the claims mentioned above is covered by clause (k) of section (3) of\nthe Patents Act of 1970 (as amended). Web software invention is not patentable\nas a result of the claims made therein.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Registration_of_Patent_for_Software-Related_Invention_in_India\"><\/span>Registration of Patent for Software-Related Invention in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005 governs the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/patent-registration\">patent registration<\/a><\/strong> process in India. Getting a patent is a difficult process when it comes to registering an invention. An applicant must seek the advice of an attorney specialised in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Patent filing in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The idea that you\nwish to patent must be noted down on the paper along with the concept and\nexpected outcome. Furthermore, details of the invention must be provided with\nthe description, advantages, usage, etc.<\/li><li>You must properly\nexplain the need for your invention in the market. It is better to include any\nimages, diagrams, etc.<\/li><li>Before submitting\nthe patent application, you must check whether such an innovation is registered\nand follows the patent requirements.<\/li><li>After conducting a\npatent search, you may decide whether you wish to file a patent application.<\/li><li>Once you decide to\nfile the patent, you must draft the patent application.<\/li><li>&nbsp;After fulfilling all the patent requirements,\nyou must submit the application to the office. <\/li><li>Furthermore, you\nare required to submit an examination request. Only after submitting the\nrequest the examiner will check your application and submit an examination\nreport to the controller.<\/li><li>If the examiner\nraises any objections, you must submit a response.<\/li><li>After all the\nrequirements are fulfilled, and the examiner is satisfied with your\napplication, the controller will grant the patent and mention it in the patent\njournal.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Software_and_Patent\"><\/span>Software and Patent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Patents provide exclusive rights to the inventor. Therefore,\nit is important to properly check the patent application before submitting it\nand ensure that it follows all the requirements of a patent. Here are a few\nsteps to follow if you are an applicant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The first step is\nto identify an invention for which you may require a software patent.<\/li><li>An applicant has\nto draft an individual application that meets the specific standards of the\npatent registration of all the countries where you wish to get your patent\nregistered. <\/li><li>Next, the\nparticular agencies of those countries will examine your application as per\ntheir patent standards. They will grant a patent for your invention if your\napplication meets all the patent granting criteria.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the validity of a patent is generally 20 years from the date of filing the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_There_A_Need_To_Reframe_The_Patent_Laws_In_India\"><\/span>Is There A Need To Reframe The Patent Laws In India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>India is a nation that is quickly expanding and is\nhome to several large software businesses. Significant investments are being\nmade in the Indian subcontinent by several powerful and prosperous businesses.\nThese well-known service providers include Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Google,\nand a few more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to support the business sector, the Indian\ngovernment has established initiatives like Start-up India and Digital India.\nIndia continues to fall behind because getting inventions linked to software is\nchallenging, which is a significant barrier. This is because India has filed\nover 13,000 software patent applications. India also boasts a large number of\nIT-performing businesses and the greatest software talent in the world.\nTherefore, the Indian parliament must consider offering a wider selection of\npatent drafting software choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In India, copyright laws are responsible for securing computer software. However, there is a range of protection for the software&#8217;s literal and figurative components, fair use standards, and authors&#8217; rights under the purview of licence agreements that have yet to be identified and acknowledged by the Indian courts. It may also be argued that such programs may be covered by patent rules, provided they are inventions and software based on algorithms. However, the definition of software&#8217;s scope and protection as a trade secret appears like a constrained and limited choice for protecting the Intellectual Property invested in this programme without any suitable regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-left\"><b>Read Our Article<\/b>: <mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/know-the-legal-framework-and-registration-for-software-patents\/\">Software Patents: Understanding The Legal Framework And Registration Process<\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the era of technological advancement, there is a need to protect software-related inventions so that the same software cannot be replicated or misused. Practically, there is nothing in the system without software. Everything we see or do in our system is due to the software that we use. The patents that are filed for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":56547,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[282],"tags":[3606],"acf":{"service_id":"20"},"authorName":"Anushka Saxena","authorImageUrl":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/MicrosoftTeams-image-109.jpg","authorDescription":"Anushka Saxena is a final year law student from Indore Institute of Law. She is an hardworking, dedicated and fun-loving person. Her area of interest lies in corporate laws and IPR.","postViews":1696,"readingTime":4,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56538"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56538"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56538\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56540,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56538\/revisions\/56540"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56547"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}