IPR

CSIR-IIP Celebrates Rashtriya Boudhik Sampada Mahotsav 2025 to Promote IP Awareness

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The CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun, today celebrated the Rashtriya Boudhik Sampada Mahotsav (RBSM) 2025, a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering awareness about intellectual property (IP) rights and their role in nation-building. The event took place at the institute’s campus with enthusiastic participation from scientists, academicians, students, and industry representatives.

First launched in July 2023 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), RBSM seeks to enhance public understanding of intellectual property and to encourage innovation through structured outreach, education, and support.

A Platform to Empower Innovators

The 2025 edition of RBSM at CSIR-IIP was marked by a series of informative sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions highlighting the role of IP in scientific research, technology development, and economic progress. Experts from the Indian Patent Office, legal practitioners, and innovation strategists spoke on topics ranging from patent filing procedures and IP commercialization to the importance of IP in academic and industrial R&D.

“Protecting and leveraging our intellectual assets is key to strengthening our position in global innovation rankings. RBSM is a unique opportunity to bring IP literacy to the grassroots and ignite the minds of our young innovators,”.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The event also featured success stories from CSIR-IIP’s own research and development initiatives, many of which have been protected through patents and licensed to industry partners. A dedicated exhibition showcased the institute’s patent portfolio, technology transfers, and collaborations with startups and MSMEs.

Participants had the opportunity to interact directly with IP professionals through on-site clinics, which offered guidance on patent searches, prior art analysis, and the process of filing for IP protection in India and abroad.

Youth Engagement and Outreach

Special emphasis was placed on engaging students and young researchers. The institute hosted a quiz competition, a poster exhibition, and an essay contest centered on the theme “IP for a Sustainable Future.” These activities were designed to inspire the next generation to think creatively and understand the importance of safeguarding their innovations.

Dr. Renu Singh, Head of CSIR-IIP’s IP Management Cell, highlighted the institute’s efforts to integrate IP education into scientific training. “We are committed to creating an ecosystem where researchers not only innovate but also understand the value of securing their inventions. Through RBSM, we aim to mainstream IP literacy across all levels of education and research,” she stated.

A National Movement for IP Literacy

RBSM is being celebrated simultaneously at various CSIR laboratories and academic institutions across the country. Its overarching goal is to bridge the knowledge gap in IP awareness and promote a culture of innovation, in line with the Government of India’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

As the celebrations concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting intellectual property as a critical tool for sustainable development and economic empowerment. The event served as a powerful reminder that India’s intellectual wealth is among its most valuable resources — one that must be nurtured, protected, and celebrated.

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CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
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SJTA to Apply for Patents on Key Jagannath Temple Terms and Symbols

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In a landmark decision aimed at safeguarding the cultural and spiritual heritage of Odisha, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced plans to seek IP rights for several terms and symbols intrinsically linked to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The decision was made during a high-level meeting of the temple management committee held in Puri on Monday.

SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee confirmed the move, stating, “It has been approved in a high-level meeting today. The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration will be applying for patents and trademarks on terms like ‘Srimandir’, ‘Jagannath Dham’, ‘Mahaprasad’, the logo of Srimandir, ‘Shrikshetra’, and ‘Purushottam Dham’.”

The decision comes in light of growing concerns over the unauthorized commercial use and potential misrepresentation of sacred and culturally significant names and symbols associated with the Jagannath Temple. By securing legal protection, the SJTA aims to preserve the sanctity of these terms and prevent their exploitation for profit or misuse by private entities.

According to temple officials, the patent applications will be filed under appropriate categories, including trademarks and copyrights, as per the Indian intellectual property laws. The administration will also consult with legal experts and the state’s intellectual property office to ensure a comprehensive and enforceable registration process.

“The Jagannath Temple is not just a religious monument; it is a symbol of Odisha’s spiritual identity and cultural pride,” Dr. Padhee emphasized. “Protecting its symbols and sacred terms is crucial in an era where religious and cultural icons are increasingly commodified.”

The terms selected for protection are deeply rooted in the Jagannath tradition. ‘Srimandir’ refers to the main temple itself, ‘Jagannath Dham’ and ‘Purushottam Dham’ are spiritual designations for the sacred pilgrimage site, and ‘Mahaprasad’ denotes the holy food offering distributed to devotees. The logo of Srimandir and ‘Shrikshetra’, another traditional name for the sacred region, are also widely recognized and respected among devotees and scholars alike.

Once granted, the patents and trademarks will allow SJTA to monitor and regulate the use of these terms, especially in commercial, promotional, or branding contexts. The administration is also expected to develop guidelines for permissible use by religious organizations and devotees, ensuring a balance between protection and public reverence.

The move has been largely welcomed by cultural experts and religious scholars, who view it as a proactive step toward preserving the unique spiritual heritage of the Jagannath tradition.

The Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major center of Hindu pilgrimage and a site of immense historical and religious significance, attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad every year. The temple’s traditions, including the annual Rath Yatra, have a deep cultural impact that extends far beyond Odisha.

With the temple administration taking these protective measures, it marks a significant moment in the intersection of law, religion, and cultural preservation in India.

‘Innovation Needs Unity’: Jitendra Singh Calls for Enhanced Centre-State Collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation

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In a strong push for cohesive national progress in science and technology, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Speaking at a high-level policy forum on Friday, the Minister underscored the need for a unified approach to harness India’s full scientific potential.

Dr. Singh highlighted that innovation does not exist in silos and that synergized efforts across all levels of government are essential to translate scientific breakthroughs into impactful outcomes for society. “Innovation needs unity,” he stated, urging policymakers, researchers, and administrators from both central and state governments to bridge gaps and align their STI goals.

He further noted that while India has made significant strides in space research, biotechnology, and digital technology, the decentralization of innovation ecosystems must be accompanied by better coordination. “States have diverse strengths and challenges. When matched with national-level resources and strategic guidance, we can accelerate progress and ensure inclusive development,” Dr. Singh remarked.

The Minister also acknowledged the pivotal role of state governments in nurturing grassroots innovations and promoting regional research institutions. He encouraged the formulation of state-specific STI policies that align with the broader national framework laid out in the upcoming National STI Policy.

In addition, Dr. Singh announced plans to establish a national-level coordination platform to streamline communication and project execution between the Centre and states. The platform will facilitate knowledge sharing, funding access, and capacity building across state science departments and innovation hubs.

Experts at the forum welcomed the initiative, noting that better integration could bolster India’s position as a global innovation leader. Representatives from state governments, academic institutions, and industry shared best practices and discussed collaborative models that have shown promise in addressing local challenges through technology.

Dr. Singh concluded his address by reiterating that India’s growth story in the 21st century will be powered by science-led innovation, but only if it is rooted in cooperative federalism. Only then can we unlock the true potential of Indian science for the benefit of every citizen.”

The forum marked a significant step toward realizing a more interconnected and inclusive innovation ecosystem in India, aiming to bridge policy, research, and implementation gaps through strategic Centre-state collaboration.

Delhi High Court Summons ‘Nashville Fried Chicken’ Over KFC Trademark Dispute

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The Delhi High Court has issued a summons to ‘Nashville Fried Chicken’, a local restaurant, in response to a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by the globally recognized fast-food chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The legal action stems from KFC’s claims that the eatery is imitating its brand identity and misleading customers.

KFC Alleges Brand Imitation

KFC, operated by Yum! Brands, alleges that ‘Nashville Fried Chicken’ unlawfully uses branding elements that closely resemble those of KFC. This includes similarities in the visual design, menu presentation, and particularly the acronym “NFC”, which KFC claims is a deliberate attempt to confuse customers and exploit the popularity of its brand.

The lawsuit also highlights the use of the word “Nashville” in the restaurant’s name — a term that features prominently in KFC’s own menu item, the “Nashville Hot Chicken.” KFC maintains that this choice of branding is likely to mislead consumers into believing there is an association between the two businesses.

Court Issues Summons

Justice Anish Dayal, presiding over the case, admitted the matter and ordered the defendant to respond to the allegations. The court recognized the potential for consumer deception due to the overlapping branding and has scheduled the matter for further hearing in the coming weeks.

The court acknowledged KFC’s longstanding presence in India and noted that the alleged similarities in branding may amount to “passing off” — a situation where one business misrepresents its goods or services as those of another.

KFC Seeks Injunction and Damages

In the lawsuit, KFC has asked the court to issue a permanent injunction preventing ‘Nashville Fried Chicken’ from using the contested name and related branding. The company is also pursuing financial compensation, citing harm to its reputation and brand equity.

According to KFC, its brand elements — including its signature red-and-white color scheme, the image of Colonel Sanders, and its widely known slogans — have earned significant recognition among Indian consumers over the years. The company argues that any imitation not only confuses the public but also weakens its distinct brand identity.

Implications of the Case

The outcome of this legal battle could have broader implications for the Indian food and hospitality industry, particularly concerning brand protection and intellectual property rights. Legal analysts suggest that the case could set a benchmark on how Indian courts view brand mimicry, especially when smaller entities adopt marketing elements similar to established international brands.

The next hearing is expected to take place in June, where both parties will present their detailed arguments before the court.

India Breaks into Top Six Globally in 6G Patent Filings: MoS Telecom

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India has achieved a significant milestone in the global race for next-generation wireless technology by ranking among the top six nations in 6G patent filings. This advancement underscores the country’s growing influence in shaping the future of telecommunications.

Strategic Push for 6G Leadership
Under the ‘Bharat 6G Vision,’ India aims to become a leader in the design, development, and deployment of 6G technology by 2030. The government is actively supporting this initiative through various programs, including funding research and development, establishing testbeds, and fostering collaborations between academia and industry. These efforts are expected to contribute to India’s goal of securing a 10% share of global 6G patents and one-sixth of contributions to global standards within the next three years .

Terahertz Frequency Bands: The Heart of 6G Innovation
6G technology is set to revolutionize wireless communication by operating in terahertz (THz) frequency bands, specifically between 95 GHz and 3 THz. This spectrum allows for data rates up to 1 terabit per second, marking a hundredfold increase over 5G speeds. Such capabilities will enable applications like immersive extended reality, digital twins, and seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks .

To facilitate research and development in these high-frequency bands, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended setting up experimental authorizations for operations in the THz spectrum. This move is expected to position India as a global hub for 6G R&D .

Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook
India’s ascent in 6G patent filings is attributed to a combination of government initiatives, private sector investments, and academic collaborations. Telecom giants like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Tata Communications are investing heavily in 6G research, establishing research centers, and forming international partnerships to drive innovation .

Looking ahead, India is set to host the World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) in Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024.

Conclusion
India’s entry into the top six nations for 6G patent filings signifies a strategic leap towards becoming a global leader in next-generation wireless technology. With continued investment in research, infrastructure, and international collaboration, India is poised to play a pivotal role in defining the future of telecommunications.

Anthropic Faces Legal Scrutiny Over AI-Fabricated Citation in Copyright Lawsuit

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Anthropic, the AI company known for its chatbot Claude, is under legal scrutiny after an expert witness allegedly cited a fabricated academic article in a copyright infringement case. The lawsuit, filed by music publishers including Universal Music Group, Concord, and ABKCO, accuses Anthropic of using copyrighted song lyrics without permission to train Claude.

The Alleged Fabrication
During a recent court hearing, Matt Oppenheim, representing the plaintiffs, claimed that Olivia Chen, an Anthropic data scientist, cited a non-existent academic paper to support arguments about how often Claude reproduces copyrighted lyrics. The article was allegedly generated by Anthropic’s AI and falsely attributed to a reputable journal. Judge mentioned the incident as a “serious issue” and demanded a prompt response from Anthropic. However, she denied an immediate deposition of Chen.

Anthropic’s Response
Anthropic acknowledged the citation error but suggested it might relate to a different, legitimate article. The company has not provided further details on how the AI-generated citation occurred or what measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Broader Legal Implications
This development adds to the mounting legal challenges faced by Anthropic and other AI companies over the use of copyrighted materials in training data. In a separate lawsuit, authors Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber, and Kirk Wallace Johnson allege that Anthropic used pirated books, including their own works, to train Claude. The authors claim that Anthropic’s AI model profits from “strip-mining the human expression and ingenuity” behind their works.
Computerworld

The legal landscape is evolving as courts grapple with the intersection of AI technology and intellectual property rights. While AI companies argue that training models on existing content falls under “fair use,” copyright holders contend that their works are being exploited without permission or compensation.

Conclusion
The alleged AI-generated citation in the copyright lawsuit against Anthropic underscores the complexities and challenges of integrating AI into legal and creative domains. As the case progresses, it may set important precedents for how AI companies handle copyrighted materials and the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content.

China Strengthens IP Protection with New Fast-Track Service Center in Shenzhen’s Futian District

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In a significant move to bolster the nation’s innovation ecosystem, China has approved the establishment of a new national-level fast-track intellectual property rights (IPR) protection service center in Shenzhen’s Futian district. The announcement was made by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), marking another milestone in the country’s expanding IP protection infrastructure.

Futian, located in the core of Shenzhen’s central business area, is widely recognized for its vibrant fashion industry. The new IPR center is expected to provide significant support to these businesses by offering streamlined services for securing design patents.

According to CNIPA, the new facility will be focused on expediting the design patent application process. Typically, it takes around six months for a design patent to be approved in China. However, with the assistance of the new service center, this duration can be reduced to within three months, enabling companies to protect their innovations more quickly and effectively.

“Fast-track services like those offered by the Futian center are essential for industries where product design changes rapidly and time-to-market is critical,” said a CNIPA spokesperson. “By accelerating the IP protection process, we aim to enhance innovation capabilities and create a more favorable environment for creative industries.”

Design patents represent a substantial portion of China’s intellectual property filings. In 2023 alone, China granted 638,000 design patents, and in 2024, the country maintained its position as the global leader in international design patent filings. The introduction of fast-track services in innovation-driven zones like Futian is seen as a strategic step toward sustaining this momentum.

The center will also contribute to the local economy by attracting more fashion designers and creative talent to the district. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, are expected to benefit, as they often face resource constraints when navigating traditional IP processes. By offering efficient services, the new center aims to reduce barriers for these businesses and empower them to compete on a larger scale.

This initiative is part of a broader national effort to create a comprehensive IP protection