Quick Guide to IP & Trademarking for Tech (India + Global)

🔹 What is IP (Intellectual Property)?

• IP protects creations of the mind (inventions, brands, software, content).

• Types:
  ✔️ Trademark – brand names, logos
  ✔️ Copyright – software, content
  ✔️ Patent – inventions
  ✔️ Design/Trade Secret – UI look, business formulas

🔹 Trademarks in Tech

• Identify your brand, products, apps, slogans, logos

• Examples:
  India – TCS®, Paytm®, Zomato®
  Global – Apple®, Google®, Meta®

🔹 Trademark vs. Copyright vs. Patent

🔹 Trademark

• Protects: Brand names, logos, slogans

• Example: Swiggy logo, Infosys®

• Duration: 10 years, renewable indefinitely

🔹 Copyright

• Protects: Creative works like code, UI design, documentation

• Example: App source code

• Duration: Lifetime of the author plus 60 years (in India)

🔹 Patent

• Protects: New inventions, technical processes or solutions

• Example: Face ID technology, search algorithms

• Duration: 20 years, not renewable

📝 Trademark Filing – India

Authority: Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM)
Process:

1. Trademark Search – IP India Search

2. File TM-A – Online via IP India Portal

3. Examination – Registrar checks for conflicts

4. Journal Publication – Public objections, if any

5. Registration – Issued if no objections or after resolving

✅ Validity: 10 years from date of application
🔁 Renewal: Every 10 years (can be done 6 months before expiry)

🌍 Trademark Filing – International (Madrid Protocol)

Authority: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Eligibility: Must have filed in your home country (India first)

Process:

1. Apply via IP India or WIPO Madrid System

2. Choose countries to protect in

3. Each country examines under local law

4. If objections arise → Provisional Refusal → respond/modify

5. Approved → Trademark valid in selected countries

✅ Validity: 10 years
🔁 Renewal: Through WIPO — easy centralized renewal

🔒 Enforcement

• You are responsible for monitoring misuse.

• Legal action can be taken in case of infringement — courts + IP attorneys.

• Customs, e-commerce, and police can help if it's registered.