Calcutta High Court to streamline IP case hearings with a new dedicated bench.
The Calcutta High Court has officially announced the establishment of a dedicated bench for Intellectual Property (IP) matters, making it only the third court in India to do so.
Following in the footsteps of the Madras and Delhi High Courts, this move is set to enhance the efficiency and expertise in handling IP cases within the jurisdiction.
The new IP bench comes as a response to the growing complexities and volume of intellectual property cases, especially after the abolition of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board in 2021.
Following this decision, a significant number of IP cases were transferred to the Calcutta High Court, prompting the need for specialized attention.
The High Court had already notified draft IP rules in 2023, and the finalized rules will take effect in November this year, coinciding with the launch of the new roster for IP cases.
Enhancing Judicial Expertise
Historically, the Calcutta High Court has been one of the few in India with the authority to directly hear commercial suits, including IP matters, thanks to its original jurisdiction.
The dedicated bench will enable judges with specialized knowledge and experience in IP law to handle cases more efficiently.
This specialization is expected to facilitate quicker resolutions and well-examined verdicts, benefiting stakeholders involved in IP litigation.
Looking Ahead
Although the official inauguration of the new IP division has yet to take place, hearings are anticipated to commence shortly after the court resumes following the Puja vacation.
The establishment of this dedicated bench represents a significant advancement in the legal framework surrounding intellectual property in India, promising improved access to justice for IP stakeholders.
