Report on the Meeting Between Japanese Companies and O/o. CGPDTM

A meeting between Japanese companies, including Panasonic, Suzuki, Fujitsu, Honda, Asiawise, TPR Autoparts, ASICS, and others, and the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (O/o. CGPDTM) was held on March 7, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at Aloft, Aerocity, New Delhi.

Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit, CGPDTM and Mr. Suzuki Takashi, Chief Director General of JETRO India, opened the meeting on discussions on the importance of expediting patent examinations, streamlining processes, and reducing compliance burdens, such as simplifying Form 27. The CGPDTM also reiterated the Indian government’s commitment to strengthening its intellectual property (IP) framework to create a more business-friendly environment for international stakeholders.

The meeting focused on three key topics. First, regarding Standard Essential Patents (SEPs), O/o. CGPDTM had previously conducted a round-table discussion in November 2024 and organized several related events. India presented a copy of the newly launched Certificate of Inventorship and discussed the procedure for obtaining a foreign filing license for PCT patent applications in India. The importance of aligning SEP policies with international best practices was also emphasized to ensure that patent holders and implementers benefit equitably.

Second, on anti-counterfeiting measures, the CGPDTM highlighted that the Trademarks Act, 1999, includes provisions to penalize offenders and ensure timely action. Attendees were informed about the Delhi High Court IP Bench, which handles intellectual property infringement cases and enforces strict penalties against violators. Additionally, the discussion covered the need for increased collaboration between businesses and law enforcement agencies to combat counterfeit goods, which pose significant risks to both consumers and brand owners.

Third, the discussion on well-known trademarks clarified that Indian law does not permit rejection of well-known trademark applications at the examination stage. However, applicants must justify how their trademark differs from an existing well-known trademark. It was also highlighted that businesses should proactively seek recognition for their marks through legal channels to prevent misuse and unauthorized use of established brand identities.

Conclusion:

The meeting provided a platform to discuss key intellectual property issues and explore ways to enhance cooperation between Japanese companies and Indian authorities. Participants appreciated the opportunity to address their concerns and gain insights into India’s evolving IP landscape. The discussions underscored the importance of continuous engagement between the public and private sectors to ensure a balanced and robust IP ecosystem that fosters innovation, trade, and economic growth.