IP Law

IP law analysis

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Anixa Biosciences Secures US Patent for Breakthrough Breast Cancer Vaccine Technology

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Anixa Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANIX) has received a new U.S. patent for its innovative breast cancer vaccine technology. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will officially issue Patent No. 12,472,205 on November 18, 2025, marking a major step forward for the company’s preventive cancer program.

The newly granted patent protects methods that trigger an immune response to the protein α-lactalbumin. This protein is normally present in breast tissue during lactation but is also found in certain types of breast cancer. By targeting α-lactalbumin, the vaccine aims to train the immune system to recognize and destroy emerging cancer cells before they form tumors.

The breast cancer vaccine was developed by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, led by Dr. Vincent Tuohy and Dr. Justin Johnson. Anixa holds an exclusive worldwide license to this technology from the Cleveland Clinic. The company stated that the new patent extends its intellectual property protection for the vaccine into the mid-2040s, strengthening its long-term development and commercialization strategy.

According to Anixa’s CEO, the patent marks a key milestone in the company’s mission to create a first-of-its-kind preventive breast cancer vaccine. He emphasized that strong patent protection provides the foundation for advancing the vaccine through future clinical trials and regulatory stages.

Anixa’s breast cancer vaccine remains investigational and is currently in the clinical testing phase. Early-stage trials have focused on evaluating its safety and immune response in healthy volunteers and breast cancer survivors. The company plans to expand studies to assess the vaccine’s ability to prevent the onset of cancer in high-risk populations.

If successful, this vaccine could become a historic medical advancement, offering women a proactive way to prevent one of the world’s most common cancers.

HFCL Files 33 Patents to Strengthen India’s 5G and 6G Leadership

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HFCL Ltd has taken a major step toward advancing India’s telecom innovation. The company has filed 33 patents related to 5G and 6G network technologies. These patents focus on cutting-edge solutions that will power the country’s next-generation communication systems.

HFCL’s new filings include innovations in energy-efficient systems, AI and machine learning applications, and network optimization technologies. The company said these patents reflect its strong focus on research and development for global telecom markets.

The patents, filed between 2021 and 2025, aim to create a robust intellectual property portfolio for the 5G and upcoming 6G era. HFCL has been developing advanced hardware and software solutions to support high-speed, low-latency, and secure communications.

The initiative aligns with India’s Bharat 6G Vision, launched by the government to make India a key global player in next-generation networks. Under this vision, India aims to secure 10 percent of global 6G patents by 2030. HFCL’s innovation drive supports this national goal by contributing indigenous technology to global telecom standards.

Managing Director Mahendra Nahata emphasized that India should not just “host” 6G networks but also “own” them. He said developing homegrown technologies would strengthen telecom sovereignty, reduce dependency on foreign vendors, and ensure secure network infrastructure.

HFCL’s R&D teams are working across multiple domains, including optical fiber cables, telecom equipment, and wireless access solutions. The company is also investing in AI-driven network management to improve performance and reliability. These innovations will help telecom operators manage networks efficiently while reducing energy consumption.

Industry experts believe HFCL’s patent push will enhance India’s intellectual property strength in telecom technology. It positions the company as a serious contender in the global 5G and 6G ecosystem, alongside established international players.

The patents not only reflect HFCL’s technical capabilities but also highlight India’s shift toward innovation-led manufacturing. The company’s efforts will likely inspire other domestic firms to invest in R&D and contribute to the nation’s digital transformation.

With these 33 patents, HFCL has reinforced its role as one of India’s leading contributors to future telecom technologies. As 6G research accelerates worldwide, HFCL’s innovations could play a key role in shaping the connected world of tomorrow.

Nuwellis Secures Patent for Safety Innovation in Pediatric Blood Filtration

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Nuwellis, Inc. has received a new U.S. patent for its advanced safety technology used in pediatric blood filtration systems. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a notice of allowance for the company’s latest invention that strengthens the safety features of its Vivian Pediatric Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) system.

The new patent covers an intelligent clamp system that enhances patient safety during blood filtration. It automatically adjusts the clamping force based on environmental conditions and tubing characteristics. The system can also recondition tubing under specific thermal settings and includes thermal insulation to maintain consistent performance.

Nuwellis designed this innovation to improve reliability in treating infants and small children who require extracorporeal blood therapy. Pediatric patients are more vulnerable to blood volume imbalances, pressure changes, and tubing failures. The new clamp technology aims to minimize these risks and deliver precise, safe therapy for children weighing between 2.5 and 20 kilograms.

The company said the new patent builds on its expanding intellectual property portfolio in pediatric blood purification. In September 2025, Nuwellis received another patent for a hemolysis detection system that monitors blood damage during filtration. Together, these technologies strengthen the safety framework of the Vivian system.

The Vivian Pediatric System remains an investigational device and is not yet available for commercial use. Nuwellis continues to refine the system as part of its mission to advance fluid management and kidney care for critical pediatric patients.

Chief Technology Officer Dan Rose highlighted that the new patent demonstrates Nuwellis’s focus on safety and innovation. He said the company is committed to developing technologies that support clinicians and protect the most delicate patient groups.

Nuwellis’s previous studies have shown encouraging results in pediatric care. Its earlier Aquadex system achieved a 92% survival rate in children with acute kidney injury, underscoring the company’s expertise in pediatric ultrafiltration technology.

The new patent is expected to enhance Nuwellis’s competitive position in the growing pediatric renal care market. It also reinforces the company’s strategy to expand its intellectual property base and protect its research-driven innovations.

With this milestone, Nuwellis continues to move closer to offering a fully developed pediatric blood filtration solution that prioritizes precision, safety, and clinical reliability.