Draft CRI Guidelines 2025- Version 2.0

 

Version 2.0 introduces detailed examination guidance on inventions related to: AI / ML / DL, Quantum Computing and Blockchain Technology.

Download draft-Draft_CRI_Guidelines_2025_v2.0.pdf

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

 

Revised Guidelines for Computer Related Inventions

Government released revised guidelines on June 30th. It replaces guidelines issued in February 2016.
Means plus Function: The claims concerning CRIs are often phrased in means for performing some function such as means for converting digital to analog signal etc. These types of claims are termed as means +function format. The „means‟ mentioned in the claims shall clearly be defined with the help of physical constructional features and their reference numerals to enhance the intelligibility of the claims. The claims in means plus function form shall not be allowed if the structural features of those means are not disclosed in the specification. Further, if the specification supports performing the invention solely by the computer program then in that case means plus function claims shall be rejected as these means are nothing but computer programme per se. Where no structural features of those means are disclosed in the specification and specification supports performing the invention solely by the software then in that case means in the “means plus function” claims are nothing but software.