Intellectual property (IP) management in India is governed by various laws, regulations, and policies that are designed to safeguard and foster innovation, creativity, and economic growth. Here is a summary of main acts and regulations pertaining to intellectual property management in India.

Intellectual Property Rights – Copy Rights, Trademarks, Patent Rights, and Geographical indication, and other issues before the Department as well as the Appellate Tribunal, High Court and Supreme Court.

• The Copyright Act, 1957:

  It provides legal protection for original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, as well as cinematograph films and sound recordings. Under this act, creators are granted exclusive rights to their works during their lifetime plus 60 years. This ensures that creators have control over how their works are reproduced, distributed, performed, and displayed and regulate the licensing. It allows creators to benefit from their creations economically and creatively, while also safeguarding against unauthorized use and infringement. The act includes provisions for penalizing infringement, ensuring that unauthorized use of copyrighted material can result in legal consequences and punishment.

• The Patents Act, 1970:

  The Patent Act is legislation designed to protect inventions and innovations by granting inventors exclusive rights over their creations for a period of 20 years. Patent holders in India are granted exclusive rights to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing their patented inventions without permission. The Patent Act provides mechanisms for enforcing patent rights and remedies for infringement, including imprisonment, fine injunctions and damages.

• The Trade Marks Act, 1999:

  The act defines a trademark as a distinctive sign that identifies goods or services of a particular entity. It provides for the registration of trademarks, granting exclusive rights to use the mark for a period of 10years (which can be renewed) and prevent others from using similar marks in relation to similar goods or services. The Trade Marks Act includes provisions for enforcing trademark rights, such as civil remedies (injunctions, damages, account of profits) and criminal penalties (imprisonment and fines) for infringement.

• The Designs Act, 2000:

  The Design Act defines a design as the visual appearance of a product, including shape, configuration, pattern, ornament, or composition of lines or colors, judged solely by the eye. It grants exclusive rights for 10 years initially, extendable by 5 years. This prevents others from using similar designs. Enforcement includes civil remedies like injunctions and damages, and criminal penalties for infringement, ensuring protection and integrity of registered designs.

• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999:

  This Act defines geographical indications as signs used on products with a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics attributable to that origin. This Act safeguarded from misuse or unauthorized use that may confuse consumers, with the initial registration valid for 10 years and can be renewed in 10-year increments. The Act aims to promote local products, preserve traditional knowledge, and enhance market opportunities for producers. It grants exclusive usage rights to registered GI holders and provides legal remedies like injunctions, damages, and disposal orders for infringement.

• The Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, 2000:

  legislation in India that governs the protection of layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits. It provides for the registration and exclusive rights to creators of such designs, aiming to prevent unauthorized copying and commercial exploitation for 10 years. It encompasses provisions for registration procedures, duration of protection, enforcement against infringement, and penalties for violations, ensuring robust protection for layout designers in the semiconductor sector.

• The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001:

  aims to protect the rights of plant breeders and farmers. It provides for the registration and protection of new plant varieties, ensuring breeders receive exclusive rights over their creations. The Act also recognizes and protects the rights of farmers to save, use, exchange, and sell seeds of protected varieties. It includes provisions for establishing authorities for registration, addressing disputes, and promoting agricultural innovation while safeguarding the interests of both breeders and farmers.