Indian Patent Office Warns Unauthorised Use of Official Logo, Warns of Prosecution

New Delhi: The Indian Patent Office has issued a warning against the unauthorised use, reproduction or imitation of its official logo, emblem and related insignia, cautioning that violations could lead to civil and criminal action.

Official Approval Mandatory

The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said that its official logo is a government symbol and cannot be used by private organisations  without prior written permission.

The rule applies to websites, social media platforms, promotional material, stationery, advertisements and other online or offline communications.

Warning to IP Professionals and Service Providers

The Patent Office noted that its logo has been found being used by various agencies, corporate entities, legal-tech platforms and intellectual property service providers.

Such use, according to the notice, could create a misleading impression that the concerned entity has an official association, endorsement or recognition from the Government or the Indian Patent Office.

Existing Users Asked to Remove Logo

Entities that are currently displaying the logo or deceptively similar designs have been directed to immediately discontinue such use and remove the material from websites, portals, visiting cards, promotional content and other platforms.

Legal Action for Violations

The authorities warned that unauthorised use, misrepresentation or imitation of the official insignia may attract action under applicable laws, including the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, Trade Marks Act, 1999, Copyright Act, 1957 and Information Technology Act, 2000.

The notice further cautions that violations may result in civil or criminal proceedings, apart from other administrative or enforcement measures.

Public Advised to Verify IP Service Providers

The Patent Office has also advised applicants, startups, MSMEs and members of the public to verify the credentials of entities offering patent and trademark-related services.

For statutory filings and official communications, users have been advised to rely on the official IP India portal and authorised government channels.

 Source: https://ipindia.gov.in/storage/uploads/others/emyKTlr4oby4ijHySJ5qUk1P7KEIVYgwZdUhnuso.pdf