The Calcutta High Court is set to become the third court in India to introduce a specialized bench for hearing intellectual property (IP) cases, joining the ranks of the Delhi and Madras High Courts.

After sharing draft IP rules with stakeholders in 2023, the court has now finalized and notified the rules, with a dedicated IP roster expected to commence in November.

This move, following extensive consultations, aims to streamline the resolution of IP disputes in West Bengal.

As India's oldest High Court with original jurisdiction over commercial suits, including IP matters, Calcutta had not previously established a dedicated IP bench. However, since the dissolution of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) in 2021, a significant number of IP cases have been transferred to the court, handled by various judges based on the roster system.

The new IP division will allow specialized judges to oversee these cases, enhancing efficiency and expertise in resolving IP disputes.

The bench is expected to start functioning after the court reconvenes post the Puja break, marking a pivotal step for West Bengal's innovation and business sectors