In an interview published in the sixth edition of Managing IP’s India IP Focus, Kurian says the office plans to recruit 260 patent examiners and 50 trade mark examiners during the coming year. “The recruitment process is ongoing and it may take about a year for them to be in place,” he added.
Kurian added that pay scales for examiners have been improved and the government is considering a new promotion scheme, and the offices are fully computerised.
He also said that he takes allegations of corruption among examiners and agents seriously: “All such issues are being addressed through the streamlined procedure which will make the individual officials more accountable.”
The office is expected to publish the manual of patent practice and procedure before the end of September, which is expected to provide guidance on disputed questions about patentability.
In the meantime, Kurian has criticised agents for the poor quality of some applications, and in particular the lack of power of attorney. He told Managing IP the office is addressing this issue: “Full compliance will be a legal requirement and will definitely reduce the workload in the office.”
The India IP Focus includes a range of articles on topical issues in India and can be accessed for free online.
