CHAPTER V - OPPOSITION PROCEEDINGS TO GRANT OF PATENTS
The Indian Patents Act, 1970 provides a robust opposition framework that allows third parties to challenge patent applications and granted patents to ensure only valid inventions receive protection. Section 25 establishes two forms of opposition—pre-grant opposition, which may be filed by any person before a patent is granted, and post-grant opposition, which can be filed by an interested person within one year of grant. These proceedings help prevent wrongful patent monopolies, encourage transparency, and safeguard public interest by scrutinizing novelty, inventive step, patentability, disclosure requirements, and compliance with statutory obligations. The opposition system plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the Indian patent regime.