{"id":14479,"date":"2024-11-13T14:54:26","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T09:24:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/?p=14479"},"modified":"2025-04-06T15:10:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-06T09:40:44","slug":"what-can-be-patented-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-can-be-patented-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can Be Patented in India? Criteria &#038; Exclusions Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e46ad9f0d2a\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e46ad9f0d2a\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-can-be-patented-in-india\/#What-Can-be-Patented-in-India\" >What Can be Patented in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-can-be-patented-in-india\/#What-is-the-Criteria-to-Get-a-Patent\" >What is the Criteria to Get a Patent?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-can-be-patented-in-india\/#What-Cannot-be-Patented-In-India\" >What Cannot be Patented In India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-can-be-patented-in-india\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-can-be-patented-in-india\/#Frequently-Asked-Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-Can-be-Patented-in-India\"><\/span>What Can be Patented in India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An invention can be patented in India if it is related to a product or process that is new, involves an inventive step, and is capable of industrial application.<\/p>\n<p>To qualify for a <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-is-patent\/\">patent<\/a>, the invention must not fall under the non-patentable categories outlined in <a href=\"https:\/\/ipindia.gov.in\/writereaddata\/portal\/ipoact\/1_31_1_patent-act-1970-11march2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sections 3 and 4 of the Patents Act.<\/a> These sections specify exceptions such as abstract ideas, natural phenomena, and certain scientific theories.<\/p>\n<p>To secure patent protection in India, an invention must meet these key criteria while avoiding the exclusions defined by the Act.<\/p>\n<table class=\"t1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><b>Type of Patent<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><b>Type of Invention<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><b>Patentable Items<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Product Inventions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Product<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Machines, devices or chemicals<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Process Inventions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Process<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Manufacturing methods, assembly processes or purification methods<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Software-Related Invention<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Software<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Technical solutions using software or industrial control software<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Business Method Inventions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Process<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Electronic payment systems or inventory management systems<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Biotech Inventions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Product<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Gene sequences or vaccines<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/apply-for-patent-in-india\/\"><em>How to Apply for a Patent In India?<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-the-Criteria-to-Get-a-Patent\"><\/span><span data-text-case=\"capitalize\">What is the Criteria to Get a Patent? <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><span data-text-case=\"capitalize\">1. Novelty<\/span><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The invention must be entirely new and not previously disclosed anywhere in the world, including publications, websites, or prior patent applications.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><span data-text-case=\"capitalize\">2. Inventive Step<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The invention must not be obvious to someone skilled in the field. Evidence of inventive steps can include commercial success, unexpected results, or solving a long-standing problem.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><span data-text-case=\"capitalize\">3. Industrial Application<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The invention must have practical utility, solving a technical problem and usable in industry. For software, it must go beyond abstract algorithms; for medical methods, it must show specific therapeutic use.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><span data-text-case=\"capitalize\">4. Non-Patentable Subject Matter<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"c9f6f4cd-1796-45ad-bbeb-3cbb8ae09dbd\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o-mini\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p>Certain inventions are excluded from patent protection, such as natural phenomena, abstract ideas, or fundamental knowledge, as defined in Indian patent laws.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/types-of-patent-applications\/\"><em>What are the Types of Patent Applications in India?<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-Cannot-be-Patented-In-India\"><\/span>What Cannot be Patented In India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While understanding what can you patent is essential, it&#8217;s equally important to know what cannot be patented in India. Under the Indian Patents Act&#8217;s Chapter II, Section 3, several categories of developments are explicitly excluded from patent protection.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>List of Non-Patentable Items<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>1. Creations that harm public order, morals, health, or the environment, or are deemed trivial.<\/p>\n<p>2. Scientific discoveries that do not qualify as inventions.<\/p>\n<p>3. Mere variations or alternatives of known substances.<\/p>\n<p>4. Agricultural or horticultural methods and processes.<\/p>\n<p>5. Methods for medical diagnosis, treatment, or surgery for humans or animals.<\/p>\n<p>6. Living organisms, except microorganisms.<\/p>\n<p>7. Software code, mathematical methods, business practices, and algorithms.<\/p>\n<p>8. Creative works protected by copyright, such as music, literature, and art.<\/p>\n<p>9. Game-playing methods, mental processes, or systems for organizing thoughts.<\/p>\n<p>10. Methods for displaying or conveying information.<\/p>\n<p>11. Integrated circuit layout designs.<\/p>\n<p>12. Traditional knowledge or wisdom passed through generations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related Read:<a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/patent-cost-in-india\/\"><em> Patent Cost in India<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><span data-text-case=\"capitalize\">Conclusion<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Patents protect various innovations, from simple products to complex technological processes. While fundamental criteria like novelty, inventive step and industrial application are essential for patent eligibility, understanding what cannot be patented is equally important. This knowledge helps you focus your resources on developing patentable innovations rather than pursuing non-patentable developments.<\/p>\n<p><em><b>Related Read: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/what-is-letters-patent\/\"><b>What is Letters Patent?<\/b><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently-Asked-Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>1. Which type of patent is allowed in India?<\/h3>\n<p>India recognizes ordinary patents, convention applications, and PCT National Phase applications. Ordinary patents are filed directly with the Indian Patent Office, while convention applications claim priority from a foreign application.<\/p>\n<h3>2. What 4 things can you patent?<\/h3>\n<p>Patents can be granted for products, processes or methods, computer-implemented inventions with technical improvements, and modifications to existing products or processes.<\/p>\n<h3>3. What are the basic requirements for an invention to be patentable in India?<\/h3>\n<p>Inventions must meet the criteria of novelty, non-obviousness, and industrial applicability to be patentable in India.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Can software be patented in India?<\/h3>\n<p>Software code itself is not patentable, but computer-implemented inventions solving technical problems may be eligible for a patent.<\/p>\n<h3>5. How long does a patent last in India?<\/h3>\n<p>A patent in India lasts for 20 years from the date of filing the patent application under the Patents Act of 1970.<\/p>\n<h3>6. What is the difference between a patent and a copyright?<\/h3>\n<p>A patent protects inventions, granting exclusive rights for a period, while copyright protects original creative works like music, literature, and art.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Can a business idea be patented?<\/h3>\n<p>Business ideas alone cannot be patented, but if they involve a novel, non-obvious method, they may qualify for patent protection.<\/p>\n<h3>8. What is the process for applying for a patent in India?<\/h3>\n<p>The process includes conducting a prior search, drafting a patent specification, filing the application, responding to objections, and awaiting the patent grant.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Can a foreign inventor obtain a patent in India?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, foreign inventors can file directly with the Indian Patent Office or through the PCT National Phase route.<\/p>\n<h3>10. What are the consequences of patent infringement in India?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/patent-infringement\/\">Patent infringement<\/a> can lead to civil and criminal penalties, including damages, account of profits, and potential criminal proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Can be Patented in India? An invention can be patented in India if it is related to a product or process that is new, involves an inventive step, and is capable of industrial application. To qualify for a patent, the invention must not fall under the non-patentable categories outlined in Sections 3 and 4<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":151156616,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3367],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-14479","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business-glossary"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14479","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/151156616"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14479"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14479\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16743,"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14479\/revisions\/16743"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14479"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}