Why in news
- The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has issued an advisory prohibiting unauthorized public use of the Indian Patent Office logo.
- Private Intellectual Property service providers using the logo face civil liability and prosecution under emblem protection laws.
Key terms
CGPDTM
The regulatory authority in India supervising patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and geographical indications.
What is the Regulatory Framework?
- The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Public emblem usage is regulated under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Key Regulatory Action
- Strict prohibition imposed on third-party intellectual property consultancy portals using the official logo to claim government endorsement.
- Mandatory directive issued to remove unauthorized branding elements immediately or face summary criminal prosecution.
Why it matters
- Protects patent applicants and startups from misrepresentation by fraudulent intermediary agencies.
- Strengthens institutional credibility and transparency within the domestic IP administration system.
Prelims facts
- CGPDTM functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Source: Economic Times India
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
-
2025 · Q55 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following pairs : Provision in the Constitution of India Stated under I. Separation of Judiciary from the Executive in the public services of the State : The Directive Principles of the State Policy II. Valuing and preserving of the rich heritage of our composite culture : The Fundamental Duties III. Prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories : The Fundamental Rights How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? -
2017 · Q7 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution? -
2017 · Q17 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute limitations upon 1. legislative function. 2. executive function. Which of the above statements is/are correct? -
2015 · Q1 · GS II · 12 marks
Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. -
2015 · Q7 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy: 1. The Principles spell out of the socio economic democracy in the country. 2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court. Which of statements given above is/are correct?