Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce, Introduces Trademark Search Module and IP Chatbot Powered by AI

Nitin Konde, Apoorva Bajj

Sep 20, 2024 — 4 min read

Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce, Introduces Trademark Search Module and IP Chatbot Powered by AI

On 18 September 2024, in New Delhi, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) based Trademark Search Technology and IP Saarthi Chatbot were unveiled to the public by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The search technology would enable faster clearance of trademark applications in a manner that is both more efficient and accurate, according to Goyal, who made this statement during the inaugural event. In addition to this, he expressed the expectation that the platform would be able to resolve trademark-related problems and said that the incorporation of official languages into the updated editions would establish this search module as a standard in the entire world. Speaking about the debut of the search module and the IP chatbot, the Minister mentioned that the quality of patent disposals will also increase.

He also mentioned that the government is trying to combine technologies based on artificial intelligence and machine learning to expedite the clearance of designs. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized that artificial intelligence tools that are controlled by the government should be compatible with devices that have all user interfaces and a variety of technological equipment to facilitate speedier adoption.

Elaborating on the benefits of AI-powered IP Chatbot, Rashmi Kulkarni, Co-founder & Director of IndoAI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. stated, "The AI-powered IP Chatbot introduced by Piyush Goyal offers several tangible benefits, particularly in simplifying the intellectual property (IP) management process. One of the key advantages is its ability to provide real-time assistance for common IP-related inquiries, helping users—especially startups, small businesses, and first-time applicants—navigate the often complex legal and administrative procedures of IP registration."

"By offering 24/7 access to information, the chatbot eliminates the need for individuals to rely on human assistance during working hours, which can result in faster resolutions to queries and significantly reduce waiting times. The chatbot can guide users through trademark registration, patent filings, or copyright issues, thus enhancing the overall user experience," she added further.

Adding further on that note, Dipal Dutta, CEO & Founder- RedoQ opined, "In India, a business or an individual had to wait two to three years after making a patent application to get a product registered. Such a long patenting period was detrimental to the businesses as it delayed the products’ entry into the market. Hopefully, the newly launched AI-powered trademark search module will expedite the process allowing the companies to register the products quickly. The new tool could be very handy, especially for startups and emerging businesses who do not always have large capital to sustain through the ideation phase."

"The integration of the IP Saarthi Chatbot is also a practical solution for assistance with the IP registration system. The chatbot will help users, particularly those new to the process, understand the steps involved and avoid common pitfalls," he explained further.

Steps Taken by the Government to Encourage Innovations

According to Goyal, the process of women submitting patent applications has undergone a significant alteration over the past ten years. According to the Minister, the decision to decrease the costs that are collected for patents by 80% for startups, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), women entrepreneurs, individuals, and academic institutions was made in order to promote innovators.

The Trade Connect e-Platform, the Jan Sunwai Portal, the ECGC's new online service portal alongside a revamped in-house SMILE-ERP system, BHASKAR - the one-stop shop for everything a startup needs, and the Trademark Search technology today are the five technology-based services that were launched in a single week.

Deepak Syal, Director, GreyB Services stated, "Just as UPI took complex banking functions and put them in the hands of everyday people, this tool by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has simplified the intricate and often confusing world of IP law, making it accessible to everyone. When you take something as powerful as intellectual property—fueling innovation and creativity—and make it as easy to navigate as sending a text, you spark a revolution. This AI tool has simplified a system historically locked behind layers of bureaucracy and legalese. Now, both the solo entrepreneur running a startup in a Tier III city and the employee of a large organization in Bangalore can gain clarity on how to manage their ideas."

"Like most legal matters, obtaining a trademark has always been complex and expensive. It needs time, money, and legal expertise. But now, technology offers a positive change. AI promises to make securing trademarks easier and faster," opined Mahesh Maan, Data Scientist, GreyB Services

Goal of DPIIT

With the introduction of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-based Trademark Search technology, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry intends to transform intellectual property management.

Key Features of New Technology

Advanced AI and ML algorithms for precise trademark identification
Streamlined search processes for domestic and international businesses
Enhanced protection capabilities for trademarks

This significant technological advancement demonstrates India's commitment to developing an intellectual property environment that is strong, efficient, and user-friendly. This serves as a monument to the efforts that the government has made to streamline intellectual property procedures, which will be of advantage to inventors and policymakers on a worldwide scale.