Brief Report on IPO-DKPTO Program on Manual of Patent Office Practice and Procedure

The IPO-DKPTO Program on the Manual of Patent Office Practice and Procedure was held on March 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the National Law University, Delhi. The session aimed to compare the approaches of the Indian Patent Office (IPO) and the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) in structuring their patent manuals. Discussions covered the evolution of the Indian Patents Act, frequent amendments, and sector-specific guidelines for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and computer-related inventions. IPO's ongoing manual revision focuses on legislative compliance, technological advancements, and judicial precedents.

Official from IPO elaborated on the differences between an act, rules, and a manual in the Indian context. He provided a historical perspective on the evolution of patent laws in India and highlighted the increasing frequency of rule amendments. The IPO manual serves as a guideline for various technological domains and is currently under revision to align with modern jurisprudence and technological advancements.

DKPTO detailed its structured approach, transitioning from internal circular notes in the 1990s to a publicly accessible guidelines system in 2013, aligning with the European Patent Office (EPO). Key aspects included Denmark’s patent legislative hierarchy, executive orders, and a quality management system. Ms. Anne K S Jensen and Ms. E-ri Maria Sol explained how Denmark’s system evolved from an internal reference to a structured and publicly available set of guidelines that ensure consistency in examination procedures.

Conclusion:

The session provided insights into the differences and similarities in IPO and DKPTO’s patent manual structuring. While IPO emphasizes frequent updates and sector-specific guidelines, DKPTO focuses on strategic alignment with international standards. The discussion underscored the importance of continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and harmonization to enhance patent examination procedures and global consistency. The knowledge exchange highlighted best practices for manual revisions and the potential for increased cooperation between IPO and DKPTO to refine patent office practices and ensure clarity and efficiency in patent prosecution.