Step 1: Understanding the Indian Patent Act. Under the Indian Patent Act, a patent is granted for a fixed period to provide exclusive rights to the inventor to manufacture, use, sell, and distribute the invention.
Step 2: Duration of Patent Protection. According to The Patents Act, 1970 (as amended in 2005), the term of a patent in India is 20 years from the date of filing, provided renewal fees are paid regularly. This applies to all types of patents, including pharmaceuticals, industrial, and software-related inventions.
Step 3: Why other options are incorrect.
- (B) 10 Years: Incorrect, as patents are not granted for a 10-year term under the Indian system.
- (C) 30 Years and (D) 40 Years: Incorrect, as Indian patent laws do not extend beyond 20 years.