Granted Patent Specification B1 Implemented from 26 January 2026 – Complete Guide: The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks), commonly known as O/o CGPDTM, has officially announced an important procedural change in the Indian patent system.
As per the notification, the Granted Patent Specification in B1 format will be implemented with effect from 26 January 2026. This update applies to all granted patents published on or after this date.
This development is significant for patent applicants, inventors, patent agents, IP attorneys, startups, research institutions, and corporates dealing with Indian patents. In this article, we explain the update in simple terms, its meaning, benefits, and how it impacts stakeholders.
What Is a Granted Patent Specification B1?
A granted patent specification is the final, legally enforceable document issued by the Indian Patent Office after a patent application successfully completes examination and grant procedures.
It includes:
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Patent number
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Date of grant
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Applicant and inventor details
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Title of invention
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Complete specification (description and claims)
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Abstract and drawings
Once published, the granted patent specification becomes a public record and determines the scope of legal protection for the invention.
What Does “B1” Mean in Patent Publications?
In patent terminology, “B1” is an internationally recognized kind code.
Meaning of B1 Kind Code
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B1 indicates a granted patent specification
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It confirms that the patent has passed examination and is legally enforceable
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It differentiates granted patents from applications or provisional publications
Earlier, Indian granted patents did not follow a clearly structured and standardized B1-style first page. With this update, India aligns more closely with international patent publication standards.
Key Announcement by O/o CGPDTM
The Indian Patent Office has clarified that:
Granted Patent Specification in B1 format will be implemented with effect from 26.01.2026
An example of the first page of the B1 specification has also been provided by the Patent Office to guide stakeholders.
This means that all patents granted on or after 26 January 2026 will be published in the new B1 specification format.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Effective date of B1 specification | 26 January 2026 |
| Applicable to | Patents granted on or after this date |
Patents granted before this date will not be reissued in B1 format unless specifically notified.
What Information Appears on the First Page of B1 Specification?
Based on the sample provided, the first page of a B1 granted patent specification includes:
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Publication Number (e.g., INxxxxxx B1)
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Date of Grant
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Application Number
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Date of Filing
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Title of the Invention
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International Patent Classification (IPC)
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Applicant(s) name
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Inventor(s) name
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Abstract
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Indian National Emblem
This structured presentation improves clarity, readability, and authenticity of the granted patent document.
Why Has This Change Been Introduced?
The implementation of the B1 specification format serves multiple objectives:
1. International Harmonisation
Most major patent offices like USPTO, EPO, and WIPO follow standardized kind codes. This update aligns India with global IP practices.
2. Clear Identification of Granted Patents
The B1 code immediately tells users that the patent is granted and enforceable, avoiding confusion with published applications.
3. Better Legal Certainty
A standardized granted patent document improves:
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Enforcement clarity
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Due diligence during licensing and acquisition
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Patent searches and analytics
4. Transparency and Trust
A well-defined granted patent format enhances credibility of Indian patents internationally.
Impact on Patent Applicants and Patentees
For Patent Holders
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Clearer proof of grant status
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Improved presentation for investors and licensees
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Easier enforcement and documentation
For Patent Agents and Attorneys
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Uniform granted patent documents
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Simplified explanation to clients
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Improved referencing in legal proceedings
For Startups and Corporates
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Easier IP audits
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Better valuation during fundraising
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Increased global acceptance of Indian patents
For Researchers and Students
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Improved readability
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Easier understanding of patent structure
Does This Change Affect the Grant Procedure?
No.
This update does not change:
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Patent examination process
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Grant timelines
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Substantive or procedural requirements
It is purely a publication and documentation enhancement, not a legal or procedural overhaul.
Is There Any Action Required from Applicants?
At present:
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No additional forms or fees are required
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The change is automatic for patents granted on or after 26 January 2026
Applicants should simply be aware that:
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Their granted patent will be published in B1 format
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The granted patent document may look different from earlier grants
How This Change Helps Patent Enforcement
The B1 specification strengthens enforcement by:
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Clearly showing grant status on the first page
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Eliminating ambiguity during infringement disputes
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Making patent rights more recognizable in court proceedings
For enforcement-focused jurisdictions, this clarity is extremely valuable.
Comparison: Earlier Granted Patent vs B1 Specification
| Aspect | Earlier Format | B1 Format |
|---|---|---|
| Kind code | Not clearly standardized | Clearly marked as B1 |
| International alignment | Limited | Strong |
| Readability | Moderate | High |
| Enforcement clarity | Lower | Higher |
Future Outlook
This update signals that the Indian Patent Office is moving toward:
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Digitisation
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Global compatibility
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Stronger IP enforcement ecosystem
It also boosts confidence among foreign applicants filing patents in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is B1 in Indian patents?
B1 indicates a granted patent specification, confirming that the patent is legally enforceable.
Q2. From when is B1 applicable?
From 26 January 2026.
Q3. Will old granted patents be converted to B1?
No official notification suggests retrospective conversion.
Q4. Does this affect patent validity?
No. It only improves documentation and presentation.
Q5. Is this change beneficial?
Yes. It enhances clarity, trust, and international recognition.
The implementation of Granted Patent Specification B1 from 26 January 2026 marks a positive and progressive step in India’s intellectual property framework. By adopting a standardized, globally recognized format, the O/o CGPDTM has strengthened transparency, legal certainty, and international credibility of Indian patents.
Patent applicants, professionals, and businesses should welcome this move as it simplifies understanding, improves enforcement, and enhances global acceptance of Indian patent rights.