Startup Definition Overhauled; Deep Tech Gets 20-Year Window and ₹300 Cr Cap
Through G.S.R. 108(E), the Government has replaced its 2019 framework, expanding eligibility and carving out a distinct regime for Deep Tech Startups. Extended timelines, higher turnover thresholds, tighter fund-use conditions, and stricter asset restrictions now apply. Certification under Section 80-IAC remains Board-driven, with revocation powers preserved for misstatements.
CGPDTM Releases PAE and TAE Written Results
The Controller General of Patents Designs and Trade Marks has released the written results of the Patent Agent Examination and Trademark Agent Examination on its official website. A revised list for the Patent Agent Examination has also been uploaded. The updated notification reflects changes in the list of qualifying candidates compared to the earlier publication.
Supreme Court Permits Product-to-Claim Mapping in Cancer Drug Patent Dispute
In litigation between Bristol Myers Squibb and Zydus Lifesciences, the Supreme Court of India allowed product-to-claim mapping to facilitate technical comparison in the alleged patent infringement. Directions were issued for supply of samples, while all substantive issues remain open.
Supreme Court Flags Credit Concerns in ‘Veera Raja Veera’ Dispute
The Supreme Court of India observed that attribution to Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar warrants consideration in the copyright dispute concerning Veera Raja Veera and composer A. R. Rahman. While issues of originality and authorship were left to trial, the Court revived the ₹2 crore deposit direction and listed the matter for further hearing.
Belagavi Commercial Court Declines Ad-Interim Relief in Trademark Action
A commercial court at Belagavi refused to grant ex parte injunctive relief against Anthropic PBC in a trademark infringement suit filed by an Indian entity. Holding that immediate restraint was not justified at this stage, the court issued summons and directed the defendant to respond on merits.
Madras High Court Restrains Unauthorised Pre-Release Broadcast of ‘O Romeo’
The Madras High Court granted interim protection against unauthorised telecast and online dissemination of the Shahid Kapoor-starrer O Romeo. Recording a prima facie case of copyright infringement, the Court directed compliance pending further proceedings.
Madras High Court Upholds Refusal of ‘Big Bite’ Registration
The Madras High Court affirmed rejection of the “Big Bite” trademark application filed by 7-Eleven, holding that transborder reputation without demonstrated commercial presence in India does not automatically confer protection under trademark law.
Swift Home Trademark Withdrawn After Taylor Swift Challenge
A New York bedding company has abandoned its federal “Swift Home” trademark bid after Taylor Swift’s brand management opposed the mark at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, saying the cursive “Swift” looked too close to her signature and could mislead consumers. The withdrawal follows Swift’s formal opposition.
Federal Circuit Rejects Apple-Google Patent Policy Suit
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld dismissal of a challenge by Apple Inc., Google LLC and others to a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office policy that gives its judges discretion to deny inter partes reviews, rejecting claims that the rule required public notice and comment.
Apple Wins Third Trial in 4G Wireless Patent Fight
In the long-running dispute with Optis Wireless over 4G LTE patent claims, a Texas jury found no infringement by Apple, overturning prior damages awards. Apple hailed the outcome, calling Optis a non-practicing entity focused on litigation; Optis plans to appeal.
Zydus, U.S. Unit Settle Mirabegron Patent Case for $120M
India’s Zydus Lifesciences and its U.S. subsidiary agreed to pay $120 million to Astellas Pharma to resolve litigation over the Mirabegron bladder drug, including licensing fees through September 2027, clearing the way to keep its generic on the U.S. market.
Estée Lauder Sues Walmart Over Alleged Counterfeit Fragrances
Estée Lauder Companies filed suit in a California federal court alleging Walmart Inc. sold counterfeit versions of its fragrance and skincare brands on the Walmart website, claiming trademark infringement, counterfeiting and false designation of origin and seeking damages and injunctive relief.
