USPTO Issues New AI Inventorship Guidelines: No Special Standard for AI-Driven Inventions

by

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has released new guidance that reshapes the debate on artificial intelligence in patent law. The agency has made it clear that AI systems cannot be recognised as inventors. Only human beings with genuine inventive contribution can hold that status. The announcement delivers clarity at a time when AI-assisted innovation is booming across sectors.

The USPTO confirmed that it will not introduce a special or separate test for inventions created with the help of AI. It withdrew its earlier proposal that sought to rely on the Pannu factors, a legal framework used to evaluate joint inventorship. The office said those factors were not designed for AI and should not apply to human inventors who merely use advanced tools. The agency stressed that the traditional inventorship standard remains fully intact.

Officials stated that generative AI, machine learning engines, and other computational systems function as sophisticated tools. They do not possess legal identity, intent, or the ability to conceive an invention. As a result, they cannot fulfil the legal requirements for inventorship. The office added that inventorship demands a human mind capable of forming the key inventive concept.

The guidance aims to prevent confusion as AI becomes more deeply embedded in research and development. Many applicants have questioned how to attribute inventorship when AI plays a major role in idea generation. The USPTO’s ruling places the burden on humans to show clear inventive contributions. Researchers must document how they shaped the idea, selected AI outputs, refined the concept, or solved the underlying technical problem.

The move brings the United States in line with major global jurisdictions. The European Patent Office, the UK Intellectual Property Office, Japan, China, and India also reject the idea of AI as an inventor. Only South Africa has accepted an AI-named inventor, and that decision was based on a procedural system that does not examine substantive requirements.

Industry experts view the USPTO’s decision as a stabilising force in a fast-moving landscape. They say the clarity will help companies file cleaner applications and avoid costly legal battles. They also note that the ruling could push lawmakers to consider future legislative changes as AI systems grow more independent.

The agency reaffirmed that AI-assisted inventions remain fully patentable. It emphasised that the decisive factor is human contribution, not the involvement of intelligent software. Innovators can freely use AI to ideate, analyse data, generate designs, or simulate outcomes. The key requirement is that a human must ultimately conceive the inventive idea and meet established patentability standards.

The USPTO’s guidance marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of intellectual property law. It reinforces human creativity as the foundation of inventorship while allowing powerful AI tools to accelerate innovation. The agency’s stance sends a strong message: AI can transform invention, but it cannot replace the human mind behind it.

Sun Pharma Achieves a High-Impact Breakthrough as Delhi HC Clears Trademark Suit to Proceed

by

The Delhi High Court has delivered a powerful setback to Artura Pharmaceuticals by refusing to return the plaint in Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.’s trademark infringement suit. The Court ruled that a part of the cause of action arose in Delhi, making the suit maintainable.

Court Rejects Artura’s Jurisdiction Challenge

Artura argued that the Delhi High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction because the company operates from Chennai and manufactures in Andhra Pradesh. The company insisted that its website was only informational and did not target Delhi consumers.

The Court disagreed.

It held that Artura’s online presence — including its website, brochure downloads, and enquiry mechanisms — showed that its products were accessible to consumers in Delhi. The Court stated that these features created a prima facie connection to the Delhi market.

Digital Footprints Matter, Says Court

The Bench highlighted that website accessibility, enquiry forms, and product brochures can amount to purposeful targeting of consumers in a jurisdiction. It emphasised that such online activities cannot be dismissed as passive.

The Court ruled that these factors were enough to demonstrate that the dispute was not confined to Artura’s home states.

Issues Require Trial, Not Pre-Trial Dismissal

The Court noted that determining the nature and impact of online activity involves mixed questions of fact and law. Such questions cannot be settled at a preliminary stage.

The Court stressed that only a full-fledged trial can determine:

  • Whether Artura’s website led to actual sales in Delhi
  • Whether Delhi-based consumers made enquiries
  • Whether confusion between the marks occurred
  • Whether Sun Pharma faced commercial harm in the capital

Sun Pharma’s Case Moves Forward

The decision keeps Sun Pharma’s suit alive. The Court has already granted Sun Pharma an interim injunction, and now the full trial will examine whether Artura’s marks are deceptively similar to Sun Pharma’s well-known brands.

A Powerful Message for Online Businesses

The ruling sends a clear and compelling message:
If your products are accessible online, your legal exposure can extend beyond your physical location.

This precedent strengthens the hands of trademark owners operating in the digital era.

What’s Next

The Court will frame jurisdiction as a preliminary issue during the trial. Both parties will present evidence on actual consumer interaction, website activity, and the likelihood of confusion.

The outcome may set a defining benchmark for Internet-based trademark jurisdiction in India.

Delhi High Court Delivers Major Relief, Revives Trident’s Air-Rich Yarn Patent Battle

by

The Delhi High Court has set aside the Patent Office’s 2021 order rejecting Trident Limited’s patent application for its “air-rich” yarn and fabric technology. The Court directed the Patent Office to conduct a fresh review and assess the application on its merits.

Court finds major flaws in earlier rejection

The Court observed that the Patent Office failed to properly examine the core inventive feature of the claimed invention. Trident had highlighted that its yarn contains pores distributed uniformly across the entire radial cross-section. The Court held that this structural feature was central to determining novelty and inventive step.

The earlier decision had questioned whether Trident used any special means to achieve this uniform pore structure. The Court disagreed. It noted that Trident had submitted detailed manufacturing parameters, and these disclosed how the unique pore distribution was achieved. It ruled that this evidence should have been assessed more carefully.

Trident’s claim and technical advantages

Trident’s technology relates to air-rich yarns and fabrics and the process for manufacturing them. The company claims its yarn improves wettability, absorbency, and drying speed. The fabric also offers enhanced thickness and a softer feel. Trident asserts that its terry fabrics can absorb water instantly and dry significantly faster than conventional fabrics.

Fresh hearing ordered

The Court reversed the earlier rejection and remanded the case to the Patent Office. It ordered that a different Controller must hear and decide the matter. The fresh examination must take place within six months. The Court also instructed the authority to evaluate the invention independently and without influence from the previous decision.

Significance for the textile industry

The ruling reinforces the requirement for reasoned and technically grounded decisions in patent matters. It highlights that structural and functional features of textile innovations must be examined thoroughly. The decision may encourage more patent filings in the textile and fibre-engineering sectors. For Trident, the judgement offers a renewed opportunity to secure exclusive rights over its air-rich yarn technology in India.

Delhi HC Stops Indian Firm from Using ‘Tesla’ Trademark, Grants Interim Relief

by

The Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction in favour of Tesla Inc. It restrained Tesla Power India Pvt. Ltd. from using the “Tesla” name or any similar trademark. The order blocks the Indian company from using “Tesla,” “Tesla Power,” “Tesla Power USA,” or related variations in products, ads, or promotions.

The Court stated that Tesla Inc. enjoys strong global goodwill and prior rights. It found Tesla Power India’s branding identical or confusingly similar. It said the similarity could mislead consumers. The judge added that both companies operate in related mobility and power sectors, increasing the risk of confusion.

The injunction covers all business activities of Tesla Power India. The company must stop using the disputed mark on batteries, inverters, UPS systems, and electric scooters. It must also avoid the mark in any future EV-related promotion. The Court said continued use could dilute Tesla Inc.’s brand and harm consumers.

Tesla Inc. had initiated the action after accusing the Indian firm of ignoring a cease-and-desist notice. It said Tesla Power India continued to promote products under the “Tesla Power” brand. It argued that the Indian firm unfairly leveraged Tesla’s reputation in India’s fast-growing EV and clean-energy markets.

Tesla Power India had earlier claimed it only sold batteries and did not make EVs. However, the Court noted that its advertising and partnerships hinted at possible entry into the EV ecosystem. This, the Court said, strengthened Tesla Inc.’s demand for protection.

The injunction will remain in force until the final hearing. Tesla Power India must remove all materials that display the disputed trademark, including packaging, online listings, and promotional content.

This ruling marks an important moment in India’s trademark enforcement. It reinforces protection for global brands. It also warns companies against using famous names to gain market advantage.

The case will now move to a full trial, where the Court will decide on permanent relief.

Patents (Amendment) Rules 2025 Introduce New Digital System for Adjudication, Penalties and Appeals

by
Illustration of a gavel and a digital patent certificate with holographic legal icons, representing the Patents (Amendment) Rules 2025 and the new digital adjudication system in India

The Union Government has notified the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2025, introducing a major overhaul in how patent-related violations are investigated and penalised in India. The amendment adds a new Chapter XIV-A, which creates a civil adjudication system for several contraventions under the Patents Act, 1970. The move shifts focus from criminal prosecution to a faster, digital and more transparent compliance regime.

New Digital Adjudication System

The new rules empower a designated Adjudicating Officer to handle complaints related to specific violations. These include unauthorized patent-rights claims, failure to furnish information demanded by the Controller, and practice by individuals who are not registered patent agents.

Complainants must file Form 32 electronically. The officer will examine the material and issue a digital notice if a prima facie case exists. The notice will offer the accused at least seven days to respond.

Clear, Time-Bound Inquiry Process

The adjudication process is fully digital. Hearings, notices and orders will be conducted or communicated only through electronic systems.
The Adjudicating Officer will explain the charge, allow representation, review evidence and call witnesses if needed. The inquiry may continue even if the accused fails to appear, provided reasons are recorded.

The officer must issue a reasoned order within three months of the notice. Penalties imposed under this chapter will be credited directly to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Appeal Mechanism with Strict Timelines

Any person aggrieved by the order can file an appeal in Form 33, again electronically. Appeals must be filed within 60 days, with delayed submissions permitted on valid grounds.

The appellate authority will issue notices, hear both sides and pass a detailed order. The appeal process must be completed within six months.
All orders must be dated, digitally signed and uploaded on the official portal.

Shift from Criminal to Civil Penalties

The rules reflect a policy shift towards civil enforcement. Earlier, several contraventions could attract criminal prosecution. The new framework emphasises monetary penalties along with a structured adjudication process, reducing the burden on criminal courts.

A Step Towards Modernised IP Enforcement

The amendment aims to streamline compliance and strengthen oversight in the patent ecosystem. It creates predictable procedures, reduces delays and encourages responsible conduct by applicants, agents and businesses.
Experts view this as a significant step toward aligning India’s IP enforcement with global best practices, especially in digital governance and administrative efficiency.

TCS and Wipro Face New Patent Lawsuits in US as Legal Risks Grow

by

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro have been hit with new patent infringement lawsuits in the United States, signaling rising legal risks for major Indian IT companies operating in global technology markets.

According to recent court filings, both companies are now facing separate lawsuits in U.S. federal courts in Texas, a jurisdiction known for patent litigation. The cases involve allegations related to software automation, wireless testing technologies and intellectual property misuse.

Details of the Lawsuits

In October, Calibrate Networks filed a case against TCS in the Marshall Division of Texas. The plaintiff alleges that TCS used and commercialized patented technology designed to modify or rename software applications without proper authorization. The lawsuit claims the patented process was used in enterprise solutions and software modernization services delivered to U.S. clients.

Wipro is facing a similar legal challenge. In November, Mobility Workx sued the company in the Sherman Division of Texas. The suit alleges that Wipro violated three patents linked to wireless testing systems, cellular device access frameworks and 5G network evaluation services. The plaintiff argues that Wipro’s telecom testing offerings incorporate protected technologies that require licensing.

Both lawsuits seek damages and potential injunctions that could restrict delivery or sale of related services in the U.S. market.

Legal Exposure Rising for Indian IT Firms

Industry analysts say such lawsuits reflect a shift in global IP sensitivity. Indian IT firms are moving from traditional outsourcing models to cloud platforms, digital products and automation tools — areas with dense patent ownership.

Legal experts note that U.S. courts, particularly in Texas, have historically issued significant penalties in patent disputes. For IT service providers, the risks extend beyond financial damage. Litigation can also result in operational disruption, delayed product rollouts and strained client relationships.

Industry Response and Implications

Both TCS and Wipro have not issued detailed public statements on the latest lawsuits. However, experts expect the companies to contest the allegations, challenge patent validity or pursue settlement options depending on the commercial impact.

The lawsuits highlight growing pressure on Indian IT companies to strengthen patent governance, licensing agreements and compliance procedures. With artificial intelligence, automation and 5G becoming core business areas, intellectual property exposure is expected to rise.

What Comes Next

The cases will now move through preliminary hearings and discovery phases in U.S. federal courts. The outcomes could influence future legal strategy for Indian technology firms and potentially shape compliance standards across the sector.

Investors and clients are expected to watch the developments closely, as the disputes could affect deal negotiations, innovation pipelines and technology partnerships.

LG Grants Patent License to Amazon for Wi-Fi Technology

by

LG Electronics has signed a patent licensing agreement with Amazon to allow the tech giant to use its Wi-Fi standard-essential patents (SEPs). The deal covers a wide range of Amazon products including Fire TV devices, Echo smart speakers, Fire Tablets and other connected devices that rely on Wi-Fi standards.

LG stated that Wi-Fi SEPs are core patented technologies required for any device that implements Wi-Fi connectivity under global technical standards. The agreement ensures that Amazon can continue to deploy Wi-Fi features in its products without risk of patent disputes or infringement.

The company highlighted that it currently owns 97,880 registered patents worldwide, with nearly half of them categorized as standard-related technologies. LG has been actively strengthening its patent licensing business as part of a long-term global intellectual property strategy.

The Korean electronics manufacturer also confirmed that it is in talks with several other global firms for similar Wi-Fi licensing arrangements. This indicates a strategic shift where LG sees intellectual property monetization as a major business pillar.

LG added that it plans to expand its patent portfolio in future technologies such as 6G, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The company aims to reinforce its position in emerging technology ecosystems where standard-essential patents are expected to play a critical role.

Industry analysts expect more such licensing deals as connected devices, IoT ecosystems, and Wi-Fi-based communications continue to grow rapidly.

The agreement marks another significant milestone in the global technology licensing landscape and reflects increasing emphasis on fair access to essential wireless patents across industries.

Samsung Display, BOE Finalize Peace Deal in OLED Patent Battle

by

Samsung Display and BOE have officially ended their long-running dispute over OLED technology. Both companies confirmed a settlement that includes a royalty-payment agreement. The deal closes multiple lawsuits filed across the United States, China, and other markets.

Samsung Display accused BOE of infringing patents related to OLED structures and manufacturing processes. The company also alleged that BOE misused trade secrets connected to advanced display engineering. These claims triggered a series of investigations by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

The ITC ruled in March 2025 that BOE had violated three of Samsung’s OLED patents. The commission, however, stopped short of banning BOE’s OLED panel imports. Despite that, a separate ITC probe on trade secrets posed the risk of a long-term import restriction on BOE.

Both companies opted for a negotiated settlement before the trade secret ruling reached its final stage. The agreement requires BOE to license Samsung’s OLED technology. Industry analysts say this deal helps BOE protect its global shipments and maintain its presence in key smartphone and electronics markets.

For Samsung Display, the settlement reinforces the strength of its intellectual property portfolio. It also secures recurring revenue through licensing fees, strengthening its leadership in OLED innovation.

Experts believe the agreement will stabilize the OLED ecosystem. Smartphone manufacturers and device makers that rely on BOE panels are expected to benefit from the renewed supply certainty.

The settlement marks one of the most significant truces in the display industry in recent years. It also signals a shift toward licensing-driven cooperation rather than extended courtroom battles in the highly competitive display technology sector.

India Rises to 6th Place in Global Patent Filings: WIPO report

by

India has secured the sixth position globally in patent filings, according to the latest World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) report. The country recorded 64,480 patent applications in 2023. The number reflects India’s fastest pace of growth in more than a decade.

WIPO noted that India achieved double-digit growth in patent filings for the sixth consecutive year. The 2023 growth rate stood at 15.7%, marking a sharp rise in innovation activity across sectors. The report highlighted India as one of the top emerging contributors to the global IP ecosystem.

Domestic innovation played a major role in this rise. More than 55% of all patent applications came from resident inventors. This is the first time resident filings have crossed the halfway mark. The shift shows increasing confidence among Indian researchers, start-ups, and academic institutions.

India also reported a remarkable jump in granted patents. WIPO said the country saw a 149% increase in patents granted in 2023. The surge reflects improvements in examination speed and the strengthening of India’s intellectual property administration.

The report added that India performed strongly across other IP categories as well. In trademarks, India ranked fourth globally, with nearly 90% of applications coming from domestic applicants. In industrial designs, India entered the global top ten, supported by high growth in the textile, tools, and healthcare sectors.

Experts say the steady rise in patent activity is the result of policy reforms, faster processing times, and a supportive start-up ecosystem. Government schemes and digital platforms have also made filing simpler and more accessible.

WIPO’s findings underline India’s growing strength in sectors such as artificial intelligence, electronics, biotechnology, and deep-tech research. These fields contributed heavily to the rise in domestic patent filings.

India’s ascent to the sixth position signals a major shift in global innovation dynamics. The country now aims to continue this momentum by expanding industry-led research and strengthening collaboration between academia, start-ups, and the private sector.

With sustained growth and increasing global recognition, India is positioning itself as a major innovation hub in the coming decade.

China Retains Top Spot as the World’s Leading Patent Filer in 2024

by

China has once again secured its position as the world’s top patent filer, according to the latest report from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The global body revealed that patent applications worldwide rose to 3.7 million in 2024, marking a 4.9% increase from the previous year — the fastest growth since 2018.

China led the race with 1.8 million patent applications, maintaining a dominant share of nearly half of all global filings. The United States followed with about 501,831 applications, while Japan ranked third with 419,132. South Korea and Germany rounded out the top five with 295,722 and 133,485 filings respectively.

WIPO highlighted that computer technology remained the most active field, accounting for more than 13% of all published patent applications. Other high-growth sectors included digital communications, electrical machinery, and medical technology, reflecting the rapid pace of global innovation.

The report also showed strong growth in trademark and design filings. Global trademark applications climbed to 15.2 million in 2024, with China contributing nearly 7.3 million. In design patents, Chinese applicants led again with more than 906,000 filings, underscoring the country’s expanding creative and industrial capacity.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang praised the resilience of global innovation systems and stressed the importance of inclusive participation. He called for greater female involvement in patenting activities, noting that diversity is key to sustainable growth in innovation.

Experts say the surge in patent filings reflects rising investment in research and development across Asia, especially in frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and green energy. Analysts believe China’s consistent performance in IP filings demonstrates its strategic focus on intellectual property as a driver of national competitiveness.

WIPO’s data also revealed that Asia accounted for nearly 70% of all global IP filings in 2024. This dominance highlights the region’s transformation into the world’s innovation powerhouse.

With growing competition in technology and digital sectors, countries are racing to strengthen their intellectual property ecosystems. The latest data reinforces that China’s innovation engine remains strong — and its commitment to protecting ideas is shaping the future of global technology.