Launch of AI-ML Trademark Search Technology & IP ChatBot‬ (Saarthi)

Introduction

On a rainy evening, a significant event was held to unveil groundbreaking technologies aimed at enhancing the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem in India. The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Miss Himani Pand, Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). She acknowledged the esteemed guests present, including the Honorable Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, and various dignitaries from the world of intellectual property.

Miss Pand elaborated on the challenges faced by trademark attorneys and the increasing volume of trademark filings, which necessitated a transition to advanced AI and machine learning (AI-ML) technologies. With nearly 4.7 lakh trademark applications filed and more than 30 lakh registered trademarks in India as of the fiscal year 2023-24, streamlining the trademark search process became imperative.

The newly launched AI-ML-based trademark search technology aims to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of trademark registration. This robust system leverages a large dataset of existing trademarks and advanced features, including the world's first Vienna classifier. The technology will revolutionize the work of examiners, significantly reducing manual effort and improving the speed with which trademark filings are processed.

In addition, the AI-powered chatbot named IP Saarthi was introduced as a personalized IP advisor. This chatbot will assist users by providing tailored advice through meaningful conversations and efficient tracking of inquiries. The goal is to facilitate a seamless user experience and empower businesses, ranging from large corporations to startups, in navigating the complexities of the IP system.

The importance of this initiative was further highlighted by significant representatives, including Mr. David Muls from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Professor Unnat Pandit, the Honorable Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. They commended India's growing IP landscape, acknowledging the rapid increase in patent and trademark filings over the past decade.

The event concluded with remarks from Mr. Piyush Goyal, who acknowledged the need for technological integration in government offices. He emphasized the desire for zero interface in the processes within the IP office, aiming to facilitate a faster, more efficient system that can accommodate the growth of innovation and startups in India.

The launch of these technologies marks a pivotal moment in India's IP management, setting global standards and enhancing the protective mechanisms available to innovators and creators. The tools are set to revolutionize how trademarks are searched and registered while offering a user-friendly interface that will benefit all stakeholders.

Keywords

• AI-ML technology
• Trademark search
• IP chatbot
• IP Saarthi
• Innovation
• Intellectual property ecosystem
• Digital transformation
• Trademark applications
• Vienna classifier
• User experience

FAQ

1. What technologies were unveiled during the event?

   • The event unveiled AI-ML-based trademark search technology and an AI-powered chatbot named IP Saarthi.

2. How does the AI-ML trademark search technology work?

   • It uses advanced algorithms and a vast database of existing trademarks to provide seamless searches and identify potential conflicts across multiple classes.

3. What is the function of the IP Saarthi chatbot?

   • The IP Saarthi chatbot serves as a personalized IP advisor, offering tailored advice and assisting users throughout the IP process.

4. What was the context for launching these technologies?

   • The launch addresses the increasing volume of trademark filings and the need to streamline the registration process in response to the growing innovation ecosystem in India.

5. What are the expected benefits of these new tools?

   • The tools aim to enhance efficiency, reduce pendency, improve accuracy, and create a user-friendly interface that will streamline processes for all stakeholders involved in intellectual property.