DPIIT orders removal of unofficial IPO symbols from websites and promotional material

In a public notice dated 13 September, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) directed all entities that are currently using the Indian Patent Office’s (IPO) logo or resembling designs to cease and desist immediately. The directive applies to websites, portals, business cards, banners, application interfaces, and any other medium where the emblem appears.

The CGPDTM highlighted that a range of parties—including corporate bodies, legal‑tech platforms, and individual agents—have been employing the IPO’s official symbol without securing the required written permission from the competent authority. This practice could create a false perception of official endorsement, thereby misleading patent applicants, stakeholders, and the public.

According to the notice, the IPO logo is a statutory emblem of a government institution operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and DPIIT. Unauthorized replication, adaptation, or display contravenes the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, the Trademarks Act, 1999, the Copyright Act, 1957, and the IT Act, 2000.

Non‑compliance may attract civil suits, criminal charges, administrative penalties, and referrals to enforcement agencies. DPIIT emphasised that any future use—whether in print, digital ads, or sponsored content—must be preceded by a formal written consent from the authorized office.

The department also reminded startups, MSMEs, and the general public to confirm the legitimacy of any intellectual‑property service provider and to file all applications exclusively through the official portal www.ipindia.gov.in.