Filing a patent application is only the beginning of the patent journey. Once your application is filed, it is equally important to monitor its progress regularly. The Indian Patent Application Status shows the current stage of your application, from filing and publication to examination, grant, refusal, or abandonment.
Tracking your patent status helps you stay informed about important deadlines and procedural requirements. Missing timelines, especially those related to examination reports, may lead to the application being abandoned. Therefore, inventors, startups, companies, and foreign applicants should review their patent status periodically to safeguard their intellectual property rights.
At Legismith LLP, we often observe that applicants who actively monitor their patent applications are better prepared for examination, licensing discussions, investment opportunities, and commercialisation strategies.
India has become one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems, ranking sixth globally in patent filings with over 92,000 patent applications filed annually. With increasing filings, the Indian Patent Office has significantly improved digital access, making patent status checks simpler and more transparent.
How to Check Patent Status in India?
The Indian Patent Office offers multiple ways to check the status of a patent application. Depending on the stage of your application, you can use either the official Application Status portal or the Indian Patent Advanced Search System (InPASS).
1. Online Check on IPO Website
The easiest method is to use the official Indian Patent Application Status portal.
You can check the status using:
- Application Number
- Publication Number
- Patent Number
Steps to Check Patent Status
Step 1: Visit the Patent Application Status portal.
Step 2: Enter your application number in the search box.
Step 3: Fill in the CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen.
Step 4: Click on the search button.
Step 5: View the complete details of the application including:
- Filing date
- Publication date
- Examination status
- FER issuance
- Hearing notices
- Grant or refusal
- Latest legal status
The portal provides real-time information directly from the Indian Patent Office database, making it the most reliable source for status verification.
Required Information
| Particular | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Number | Assigned at the time of filing |
| Publication Number | Available after publication |
| Patent Number | Available after grant |
| CAPTCHA | Required for verification |
2. Using Public Search Tools
The Indian Patent Advanced Search System (InPASS) is another useful platform for checking patent information.
The InPASS system replaced the earlier iPAIRS platform and provides a more advanced search interface.
You can search using:
- Application Number
- Patent Number
- Publication Number
- Applicant Name
- Inventor Name
- Filing Date
- Publication Date
- Patent Title
This feature is particularly useful when you want to conduct prior art searches or review patents filed by specific organisations or inventors.
The platform also allows users to access:
- Complete bibliographic information
- Patent specifications
- Examination reports
- Hearing notices
- Court orders, where applicable
- Grant certificates
For international applicants entering India through the PCT route, InPASS also provides information regarding national phase applications.
You may also find our guide on PCT filings useful.
3. Status Updates and Documents
When you check Indian Patent Application Status, you are not only viewing a single status line. You are tracking the complete lifecycle of the patent application.
Application Filed
This status confirms that the patent application has been successfully submitted and assigned an application number.
Published
After 18 months from the priority or filing date, the application is generally published in the Patent Journal unless early publication is requested.
It is important to understand that Published does not mean Granted.
The application is merely made available to the public at this stage.
Request for Examination Filed
The patent office examines an application only after a Request for Examination (Form 18) is filed.
If the request is not filed within 48 months from the filing or priority date, the application may become Deemed Withdrawn.
Under Examination
This indicates that the Controller and Examiner are reviewing the application for patentability requirements.
FER Issued
FER stands for First Examination Report.
This is one of the most critical stages because the Patent Office communicates objections or requirements that must be addressed.
The applicant must generally respond within six months, which may be extended by three additional months under applicable rules.
Response Filed
This status indicates that the applicant has replied to the objections raised in the FER.
The Patent Office may further examine the response or schedule a hearing.
Hearing Scheduled
If the Controller requires additional clarification, a hearing may be fixed before deciding the application.
Granted
Once the Controller is satisfied that all legal requirements are fulfilled, the patent is granted.
Recent changes by the Indian Patent Office now include a “B1” identifier on granted patents, making it easier to distinguish granted patents from published applications during searches.
Refused or Abandoned
An application may be refused if the invention does not meet patentability criteria.
It may become abandoned if deadlines are missed, particularly the FER response timeline.
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What You Can Learn from Patent Status?
Patent status reveals much more than whether your application is pending.
Pending Status
A pending application means the patent is still under examination or awaiting further action.
You should continue monitoring deadlines and official communications carefully.
Granted Status
A granted patent gives the owner exclusive rights to make, use, sell, or licence the invention in India.
Grant status is important for:
- Patent enforcement
- Licensing negotiations
- Investment discussions
- Technology transfers
- Company valuation
Abandoned Status
One of the most common reasons for abandonment is failure to respond to the FER within the prescribed time.
Similarly, if a Request for Examination is not filed within 48 months, the application is treated as Deemed Withdrawn.
These timelines make regular monitoring of patent status extremely important.
FAQs
How do I check patent application status in India?
You can check your patent application status through the official Indian Patent Office Application Status portal by entering your application number and CAPTCHA.
Can I check patent status without an application number?
Yes. Using InPASS, you may search by applicant name, patent number, publication number, inventor name, or patent title.
What does "Published" mean in patent status?
Published means the application has been made publicly available. It does not mean the patent has been granted.
What happens if I do not reply to the FER?
Failure to respond within the prescribed period may lead to abandonment of the application.
How often should I check my patent status?
It is advisable to check at least once a month. After examination begins or an FER is issued, weekly monitoring is recommended.
Where can I check PCT patent status?
You can check international PCT applications on this WIPO Patentscope website.
Final Thoughts on Indian Patent Application Status
Checking your Indian Patent Application Status is an important part of managing your intellectual property. The status provides valuable information about examination progress, deadlines, publication, hearings, and grant decisions.
Regular monitoring can help you avoid missed deadlines and ensure that your patent rights remain protected throughout the prosecution process. Whether you are an inventor, startup, MSME, or multinational company, staying informed about your application’s status allows you to make better legal and business decisions.
At Legismith LLP, we believe that understanding the patent process empowers innovators to protect and commercialise their inventions more effectively.
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Disclaimer
The content provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified IP attorney for your specific needs.