Draft Computer Related Inventions (CRI) Guidelines, 2025.

 On March 25, 2025, the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) released Draft Revised Computer Related Inventions (CRI) Guidelines, 2025.

 Recent developments in the field of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer Science, such as advancements in
artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, quantum computing, cloud
computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), are rapidly transforming industries and
reshaping innovation. These technologies often involve complex algorithms, data
processing techniques, and hardware-software integrations. In recent times centric to
this advancement are Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Natural Language
Processing and Large language Model which are now recognized as core technologies
that can revolutionize industries by enabling sophisticated automation, customized
user experiences, and predictive analytics. These technologies are increasingly
integrated into fields such as healthcare for early diagnostics, finance for risk
management, and education for adaptive learning, enhancing overall system
intelligence. Additionally, AI-driven natural language processing technologies are
revolutionizing human-computer interactions by enabling virtual assistants,
automated translation, and sentiment analysis tools, thus broadening accessibility and
functionality. Cloud computing has significantly catalyzed this evolution, providing
scalable and cost-effective solutions for data storage and processing, essential to
modern IT architectures. The shift to cloud-based infrastructure allows organizations
to handle extensive data volumes, facilitate collaboration, and deploys applications
rapidly, making it a fundamental component in IT frameworks. Meanwhile, edge
computing, a complementary technology to cloud computing, enables data processing
near the source, reducing latency and accelerating real-time analytics—capabilities
vital for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications. Quantum algorithms
promise to solve complex problems in mere seconds, challenges that would take
classical computing systems centuries to process. This capability could significantly
impact fields such as cryptography, climate modeling, and pharmaceutical
development. Quantum computing, regarded as a keystone technology of the future...

 Algorithm:

 “...An algorithm may be defined as a set of rules or instructions for solving a problem, typically through a sequence of steps or operations. Devising an algorithm would also, therefore, be an intellectual exercise and intellectual property protection would be limited to copyright protection, subject to originality, for the form of expression. While the expression is commonly used in the context of software-based routines in computers, as is evident from the above, it can be used in other contexts...”.

Technical effect

 Technical effect' is the bridge or the connect between an input and the
processor. If an ingenious input system/method is able to allow the processor to give
a more efficient and faster output and computation, the effect, in this Court's opinion,
would be 'technical'. A 'technical effect' cannot be just about nuts and bolts, or
hardware tweaks and transformations. If an innovative input [in form of a program]
allows the hardware to process the output faster, then it would amount to a
'technical effect'. In other words, a well-designed innovative input in the form of a
process, system, or method which enhances the computational ability of the
processor would undoubtedly result in a 'technical effect' and which goes beyond the
usual 'user interface'…”

Read-   

https://www.ipindia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/Draft_CRI_Guidelines_Publication_March2025.pdf

https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=94f01f86-dcad-42d2-a26b-2701bd4d2060

 

90 Best Innovation Blogs and Websites in 2025

 All blogs in one place:

https://bloggers.feedspot.com/innovation_blogs/

India Invents blog ranked among the Top 100 Innovation Blogs and websites , 2025

 

India Invents blog is ranked 29 among Top 90 Innovation Blogs and websites in 2025.

https://bloggers.feedspot.com/innovation_blogs/

Indian Incubators 2024

 

 Analysis from 1100 incubators and 1,77,00 startups:

• only 8.2 % of all startups are incubated.
• 20% of incubators support 98% of these startups that are incubated.
• Chances of incubated startups receiving external funding are better- (17.5%) compared to 7.1% for all startups)
• academic institutes house 2/3rd of the incubators.
• 20% of incubators work as implementing arm of government schemes promoting startups. (226 out of 1100).

Read: https://doms.iitm.ac.in/crest/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IIK_2024_updated.pdf

When Technology meant Manufacturing Technology

My first book `Management of Technology Change' was written in 1994, the beginning of Liberalisation & Globalisation. Information Technology was still not a popular term and Technology was generally referred to as Manufacturing Technology. 

For decades, the industry has managed technology change by importing technology (as available) from joint venture partners. Despite policymakers hoping the Indian Industry would follow MITI Japanese model- import technology, absorb the technology, and later improve the technology to export it, our industry is struck in the first phase of technology import. Technology obsolescence is pervasive and India was least prepared to face global competition when the gates were open. Adding to the pain, the joint venture partners abandoned Indian partners to start their own subsidies.

This book looked at the fundamentals- 

• What constitutes manufacturing technology?
• How to manage changes in technology?
• How Firm Specific Knowledge enhances Technological Capabilty?

Manufacturing Technology (Industry 4.0) is now on the policy horizon.  Are we repeating the mistake of managing new digital technology like in 70's and 80's with imports of capital goods and software, without calibrated Technological Capability enhancement?

Draft Rules for Clinical Electrical Thermometer for comments from stakeholders- India

 The Indian Government invited comments on the draft.

https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/sites/default/files/file-uploads/latestnews/Draft%20Rules%20for%20Clinical%20Electrical%20Thermometer%20with%20Maximum%20Device.pdf

This specification applies to battery-powered instruments which provide a digital indication of temperature. 

(4) Clinical electrical thermometers designed to measure skin temperature are not covered by this specification. 

(5) This specification does not exclude the use of any contract device based on other measurement principles that meets equivalent performance standards in determining maximum body temperature at specified time intervals. 

2. Terminology.- 

(1) A clinical electrical thermometer, as covered by this specification is a contact thermometer comprising a temperature probe and an indicating unit, and that is designed to measure human or animal body temperature. 

(2) A temperature probe is the component of a thermometer of which part is applied to a body cavity or tissue with which it establishes thermal equilibrium. It comprises a temperature sensor with associated parts including coverage, seals, inner leads, and connecting plug, where appropriate. 

Notes: 

1. A body or tissue may be the mouth (sublingual), rectum, or armpit. 2. The part of the probe in contact with a body cavity or tissue is called the ‘applied part’. 

3. An indicating unit is the component of a thermometer that process the output signal of the temperature sensor and displays the measured temperature.

Sample chapter- Top 100 Indian Innovations (2024)

 Read the sample chapter with the list of Top 100.