In India, as per the Patents Act, 1970 “computer programme per se” is not patentable subject matter. However, it is seen that over 1000 software patent applications are filed before the Indian Patent Office each year, of which about 100 patents are granted despite their specific exclusion from patentability. Moreover, almost all of these patents are granted to multi-national corporations as opposed to smaller domestic developers. This is a dangerous phenomenon that makes writing computer programmes a risky proposition, as developers could be sued for infringement by corporations holding software patents, which in turn could seriously impede the growth of the software industry in India and place shackles on the freedom to innovate. We consider opposing software patents, which are irregularly granted against the intent of the legislature, to be a primary item in our agenda. We also work with law and policy makers to restrict the irregular grant of software patents, and to bring patent examination procedures in line with the law.
