Practical Problems_Contract Act_83

Because of disagreements, quarrels and disputes between an old father and his modern young son, father by written agreement duly attested by Notary promises to pay Rs. 15000/- p.m. to his son for living separately. Decide about its validity.

Practical Problems_Contract Act_82

Can a proposer whose bid at an auction had been provisionally accepted subject to approval by competent authority revoke his bid prior to approval of competent authority?

Practical Problems_Contract Act_81

A, while still a minor by fraudulently misrepresenting his age, agreed to sell his property to B. Having received full consideration amount, A refused to perform his part of the bargain on the plea of minority. Can B recover the amount from A?

Patent Act_28

What is the system for protecting microbiological inventions and microorganisms?

The Indian Patent Act has no specific provision for patenting of microorganisms and microbiological processes. However, as a matter of practice microorganisms per se are not patentable in India. (However, a recent decision of the Kolkata High Court has held that microbiological processes are patentable in India). In order to meet the obligation under TRIPS. India is required to introduce a patenting of microorganisms. Draft laws in this regards have been formulated. It may, however, be noted that many countries allow both process and product patents in regard to microbiological inventions and microorganism per se. all such countries allow patenting of genetically modified microorganisms but a few also allow patenting of naturally occurring microorganisms if isolated from nature for the first time and if other conditions of patentability are satisfied.

Patent Act_27

Are there any differences in the filing of patent applications in respect of microbiological inventions and other inventions?

An inventor is required to deposit the strain of a microorganism in a recognized depository which assigns a registration number to the deposited microorganism. This number needs to be quoted in the patent application. Obviously a strain of microorganism is required to be deposited before filing a patent application. It may be observed that this mechanism obviates the need of describing a microorganism in the patent application. Further, samples of strains can be obtained from the depository for further working on the patent. There are many international depositories in many countries, which are recognized under the Budapest Treaty.

Patent Act_26

What is the Budapest Treaty?

This is an international convention governing the recognition of deposits in officially approved culture collections for the purpose of patent applications in any country that is a party to it. Because of the difficulties and on occasion of virtual impossibility of reproducing a microorganism from a description of it in a patent specification, it is essential to deposit a strain in a culture collection centre for testing and examination by others. The Treaty was signed in Budapest in 1973 and later on amended in 1980. India has become a member of this Treaty, with effect from December 17, 2001.