The Ministry of Defence has released an official statement on 3 November saying that the Indian Army has registered ‘Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)’ of the new design and camouflage pattern uniform.

"The process for registration of the new Camouflage Pattern and Design of Improved Combat Uniform to establish ownership of the Indian Army has been completed by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademark, Kolkata," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

“The registration has been published in the official journal of the Patent Office vide Issue No on No 42/2022 dated 21 October 2022," the ministry said.

The new Digital Pattern Combat Uniform for Indian Army soldiers was unveiled on 15 January 2022 (Army Day). The improved uniform has a contemporary look and functional design. The fabric has been made lighter, stronger, breathable, quick drying and easier to maintain. The uniform's uniqueness is evident with the inclusion of gender-specific modifications for women's combat uniforms.

"The exclusive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the Design and Camouflage Pattern now rests solely with the Indian Army, and therefore manufacturing by any vendor who is not authorised and will be illegal and is liable to face legal repercussions," said the released statement.

The Indian Army can enforce exclusive rights to the design. It can file infringement suits by way of a civil action before a competent court of law. As per the ministry, remedies against infringements include interim and permanent injunctions as well as damages.

Notably, a total of 50,000 sets of the new uniform have already been procured through Canteen Stores Department (CSD). They were delivered to 15 CSD Depots, including Delhi, Leh, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ambala.

The Army has also set up workshops in coordination with instructors from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi to train civil and military tailors in stitching the new uniform as per the specified design. Notably, bulk procurement of 11.70 lakh sets for JCOs and other ranks is in progress. It is likely to be commenced in August next year.

Image source: NDTV