Paper V

Intellectual Property Law — question papers

Syllabus topics

Question papers

Questions by frequency and marks

Same question across years counts once; frequency is how many papers it appears in.

Marks Question Years Frequency
6 Geographical Indications of Goods. 2025, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 10×
6 Passing off. 2022, 2019, 2017, 2014, 2013 5×
6 Author's Special Rights. 2022, 2013, 2012, 2011 4×
6 Compulsory licensing. 2025, 2018, 2016, 2014 4×
6 Exclusive Marketing Rights. 2021, 2018, 2017, 2012 4×
6 WIPO. 2020, 2017, 2015, 2012 4×
6 Assignment of Copyright. 2025, 2013, 2012 3×
6 Forms of Intellectual Property. 2022, 2015, 2012 3×
6 Process patent. 2018, 2016, 2011 3×
6 Right to Secrecy. 2022, 2021, 2013 3×
6 Well-Known Trade marks. 2025, 2018, 2016 3×
15 What are the salient features of the TRIPs Agreement? 2019, 2015, 2012 3×
6 Anton Pillar Order. 2013, 2012 2×
6 The Berne Convention, 1886. 2016, 2011 2×
6 Broadcast Reproduction Right. 2020, 2016 2×
6 Complete specification. 2019, 2015 2×
6 Copyright Board. 2016, 2015 2×
6 Copyright in Design. 2025, 2012 2×
6 Fraudulent Imitation of Design. 2013, 2011 2×
6 Industrial Property. 2015, 2014 2×
6 Literary property. 2021, 2011 2×
6 New Plant Variety. 2016, 2012 2×
6 Performer's Right. 2019, 2012 2×
6 Plant varieties protection. 2021, 2018 2×
6 Property Mark. 2018, 2013 2×
6 Specification. 2020, 2018 2×
6 TRIPS agreement. 2013, 2011 2×
6 UNESCO. 2022, 2013 2×
6 Universal Copyright Convention. 2017, 2013 2×
15 Explain the nature and classification of Intellectual property. 2018, 2015 2×
15 Define Patent. Explain the rights and duties of a patentee. 2018, 2017 2×
15 Discuss the rights and obligations of a patentee. 2013, 2012 2×
6 Artistic works. 2018 1×
6 Certification marks. 2021 1×
6 Colourable Imitation of Design. 2015 1×
6 Compulsory license of a patent. 2015 1×
6 Computer Programme per Se. 2019 1×
6 Copyright in derivative works. 2011 1×
6 Copyright in dramatic works. 2017 1×
6 Definition of Design. 2019 1×
6 Definition of Intellectual Property. 2011 1×
6 Distinctiveness of a Trademark. 2011 1×
6 Fair Use. 2020 1×
6 Health emergency. 2011 1×
6 Impact of cyber law on copyright. 2015 1×
6 Industrial Designs. 2014 1×
6 Infringement of Trademark. 2017 1×
6 Kinds of Intellectual Property Rights. 2025 1×
6 Kinds of patents. 2022 1×
6 Layout Design. 2020 1×
6 Moral Rights of an author. 2019 1×
6 Musical Works. 2013 1×
6 National Treatment. 2012 1×
6 Neighbouring Rights. 2022 1×
6 Neighbouring rights under Copyrights. 2012 1×
6 New Plant Variety Right. 2020 1×
6 Ownership of copyright. 2015 1×
6 Paris Convention, 1883. 2011 1×
6 Passing off action. 2015 1×
6 Patent Co-Operation Treaty. 2025 1×
6 Patentable Inventions. 2012 1×
6 Piracy of design. 2011 1×
6 Plant Breeders Rights. 2012 1×
6 Plant Varieties. 2013 1×
6 Principle of National Treatment. 2014 1×
6 Prior User under Trademark Law. 2020 1×
6 Product Patent. 2013 1×
6 Protection of computer programs. 2015 1×
6 Remedies for Infringement of Patent. 2025 1×
6 Rights of Broadcasters. 2017 1×
6 Service Marks. 2011 1×
6 Software patents. 2015 1×
6 Specifications of Inventions. 2011 1×
6 Trademarks. 2021 1×
6 Traditional Knowledge. 2015 1×
6 Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. 2019 1×
6 Unregistered Marks. 2012 1×
6 Unregistered Trademark. 2015 1×
6 World Intellectual Property Organisation. 2015 1×
6 World Trade Organisation. 2015 1×
10 An architectural firm copies the design of a landmark building created by a renowned architect. Can the original architect claim copyright infringement under the Copyright Act, 1957? Advise the Architect. 2025 1×
10 'X', an author, assigned his novel to a publishing company. The company published the book showing 'Y' as the author of the novel. Aggrieved by the action of the publisher, 'A' wants to obtain a remedy under IP Law. Advise him. 2019 1×
10 An author has compiled a new English dictionary by extracting information from various sources. Can there be copyright in the said dictionary? Decide with reasons. 2011 1×
10 A U.S. based company wants to patent a traditional medicine used in Telangana. Can it succeed? Decide. 2017 1×
10 'Benz' is the trademark used by a well known carmaker. A garment manufacturer in India used the same trademark for one of the undergarments. Can the carmaker sue the Indian garment manufacturer? If so, on what grounds? 2016 1×
10 A biotechnology company applied for a patent of the 'DNA sequence' of certain hybrid seeds under the copyright law. Can it succeed? Explain. 2013 1×
10 A cinema actor claimed copyright in his performance in a movie, and filed a suit against the cinema producer seeking injunction against the release of the cinema. Discuss with reasons. 2015 1×
10 A cinema actress agreed to perform on the eve of new year celebrations for an agreed cost. However the organizers planned to record her performance, and to sell it to different TV channels. Can she object? Decide. 2014 1×
10 A claims a design right on plastic water bottles. Is he permitted under the Indian Designs Act? 2012 1×
10 'X' company has coined and been using the phrase "Believe in the Best" as a business slogan. 'A', a story writer, has used this phrase "Believe in the Best" a number of times, as the hero of the story always believes in the best. X Company filed a copyright infringement suit against A. Will the company succeed? 2019 1×
10 A company registered a design for a Glucose biscuit sold by it. A rival company used a similar design for its range of Glucose biscuits without any registration of such design. Advise the first company on its rights. 2021 1×
10 Company X is the registered Proprietor of the trademark BRIPLEX for a medical preparation in India. Company X wants to assign that trademark to Mr. A, Mr. Y and Mr. Z in different parts of India. Whether the same can be allowed? Explain with suitable provision. 2018 1×
10 A, a company, is the registered proprietor of the trademark NIACIN, a pharmaceutical preparation. They brought a suit against B company for a permanent injunction restraining them from deceptively using a similar mark NIASIN in respect of the same kind of preparation. Would plaintiff A company succeed? Decide. 2022 1×
10 A computer programmer prepared a software programme in the course of his employment. He wants to protect the same in India. Who can apply for patenting his invention? 2012 1×
10 A foreign company trading in India used the photos of certain religious symbols on footwear. Advise the Indian citizens of their rights under the relevant IPR law. 2017 1×
10 A garments manufacturer started using the trademark "Audi" for his range of readymade clothes. Audi car manufacturers objected to it. Decide. 2017 1×
10 A Government Corporation is producing and selling milk with a registered trademark "Maharland Cow Milk". A private company started selling milk with a trademark "Maha-Anand Cow Milk". Advise the corporation about the violation of its trademark and the remedies available to it. 2011 1×
10 A great classical singer gave a live performance in a university to raise funds for charity. A TV channel broadcast the performance without the singer's permission. What right of the singer is violated in the instant case? Explain. 2016 1×
10 'A' has invented a process of making agricultural land more fertile and capable of yielding higher produce. He wants to obtain a patent for his invention. Will he succeed? 2019 1×
10 A historical monument's architecture was copied by a person to construct his house. Discuss whether any intellectual property is violated thereby. 2017 1×
10 'A', a home decor company, obtains registration for a geometric pattern used on lampshades. 'B' starts selling lampshades with a nearly identical pattern, arguing that such patterns are common in the market. Decide whether 'B' is liable for design infringement under the Designs Act, 2000. 2025 1×
10 A hybrid new variety of rice is grown by X. He applied for a patent. Will he succeed in acquiring a patent for the new variety of rice? Decide with the help of a leading case. 2022 1×
10 An Indian liquor manufacturer wants to use "Ghampaigne" for his product in India. Can he do so? Discuss. 2015 1×
10 An International pharmaceutical company invented and patented a cancer drug, and offered the same to Indian patients at a cost of about three lakhs per patient and per month. An Indian company sought a license from it to produce and sell the drug at a lower cost which was refused. Can the Indian company seek a compulsory license, if so on what grounds? 2014 1×
10 An Internet Service provider web-cast ball-by-ball live score of a one-day cricket match officially telecast on a TV channel. Does it amount to infringement of copyright? Decide. 2014 1×
10 "LOVELY" hypermarket in Hyderabad city kept a big TV screen in the parking area and allowed their customers and the passers by the road to watch the final match of the IPL Cricket series. TV99 broadcaster, having purchased the telecast rights from the IPL organizers, wants to proceed against the Hypermarket for infringement of its IP right. Will TV99 broadcaster be successful in its attempt under the relevant IP law? 2020 1×
10 A makes a public demonstration of his invention for his students - can he then seek a patent for it? 2015 1×
10 A makes a remix of songs - what are his rights and liabilities? 2015 1×
10 MediScan Ltd. develops a novel non-invasive method to detect heart conditions using a specific scanning sequence. They file a patent application for the method. Decide whether the method qualifies as a Patentable Invention under Indian patent law. 2025 1×
10 Mr. 'X' has been in the business of stationery items and designed a paperweight in the shape of the Charminar and registered the design. Mr. 'Y', a bag manufacturer, started manufacturing and selling similar Charminar-shaped design school bags. Mr. 'X' wants to sue 'Y' for infringement of his design. Will he be successful? 2020 1×
10 Mr. X has created a unique pen. Explain to him the criteria to register an industrial design in India. 2018 1×
10 Mr. Prakash Raj created a new software which enables the air -conditioning system to automatically adjust room temperatures based on the fluctuations in external temperatures. Because of this, users need not frequently use the remote and change the temperatures based on external conditions. Mr. Prakash Raj wants to obtain some IP protection for the software. Advise him. 2020 1×
10 Mr. X of TIT University has created a backup copy of a software. TIT University has taken a license of that proprietary software from ABC Ltd. Explain whether Mr. X is infringing the copyright of ABC Ltd. 2018 1×
10 Mr. 'A' wants to start the business of marketing tea powder under the trademark 'BEST'. He wants to register the trademark 'BEST' for his tea business. Will he be successful? 2020 1×
10 One of the authorized users of a registered geographical indication wants to sell the authorized geographical indication to a company. Can he do so? Discuss with reasons. 2011 1×
10 One pharmaceutical company claimed compulsory licence from another company on the ground that the patented product was withheld from Indians, and that it was produced for export purposes. Can the first pharma company succeed? Discuss with reasons. 2015 1×
10 "Pembarti" near Hyderabad is a town famous for manufacturing certain metal crafts. In view of many unauthorized persons selling their products for many years, the producers of the metal craft now want to protect their unique product through IPRs. Advise them as to the proper mode. 2011 1×
10 A person wants to conduct a seminar using recorded material of certain hybrid seeds. Can he do it? Explain. 2013 1×
10 A pharmaceutical product having a patent was sold at an un -affordable price, depriving many poor patients of the much needed health care. What are the options before the Government and other pharma companies in making such a drug available at a reasonable price? 2011 1×
10 A pharmacist invented a medicine for cold and cough in 1999 and got it patented in 2002. In 2008 he made remarkable improvements in that medicine to treat not only cold and cough but also fever. How can he protect such improvement? Advise. 2016 1×
10 A photographer who is paid for the photo he has taken displays it in his display board. State whether it amounts to violation of copyright of the person whose photo has been taken. 2013 1×
10 A poet was asked to write a song for a film and paid for it. The song went on to become a hit. Who is the owner of copyright in the song? Decide. 2016 1×
10 A (producer of watches) uses the logo of cars manufactured by B. Is it an offence under the Indian Trade Marks Act? 2012 1×
10 A produces a film based on a leading politician. Is it an actionable offence? 2012 1×
10 An IT professional intends to protect a unique computer programme written by him. Advise him as to the proper mode of IPR Protection. 2011 1×
10 Professor X has developed a process to increase the economic value of Jute. He wants to patent the same in India. Whether his invention can be patented in India? Explain. 2018 1×
10 A professor wants to protect his classroom teaching under the IPR law. How can he do it? 2013 1×
10 A Science Professor made an invention during his employment in a University. Who can apply for patenting such invention? Justify your answer. 2012 1×
10 A scientist intends to register a patent for one of his drugs. Can he get a product patent for it in the year 2011 in India? Discuss. 2011 1×
10 'P', a scientist, invented a new variety of rice which is pest resistant. He wants to claim protection under Intellectual Property Law. Advise him. 2019 1×
10 A seeks a Copyright for his lecture notes. Is it permitted in India? 2012 1×
10 A sells the literary works of B at a discount. Is it infringement of a copyright? 2015 1×
10 A singer performed in a live show and had sung certain copyrighted songs in the show on public demand. Those who watched the show had paid money to watch it. He had not obtained any permission from the copyright owners. Has he violated any copyright? Give reasons for your answer. 2012 1×
10 A small trader in a rural area wants to use the trademark "TATA" for his product. He has no connection whatsoever with the Tata company. Has he committed any violation of law? Discuss. 2015 1×
10 A Soap Company would like to register the trademark 'Bright -white' for one of its detergent soaps. Can it succeed? Give reasons for your answer. 2012 1×
10 SPOS-PROX is a registered Trade Mark. Another trader has a Trade Mark - SPOS-FLOX. Discuss whether there is a deceptive similarity in this case. 2013 1×
10 X, a student, copied some material from a published book and stated it as his own, without mentioning the name of the publishers. Whether X is liable under intellectual property law; if not, state the reasons. 2022 1×
10 Students of a school performed a story of a noted author as the annual function of the school. The author claims it as infringement of his right to perform. Advise the school authorities. 2022 1×
10 A surgeon has invented a new surgical method to treat a human ailment. Is he eligible to seek a patent? Discuss. 2013 1×
10 A Trade Mark is registered for a limited area. A firm used such Trade Mark beyond that area. Is the firm guilty of infringement of the Trade Mark? 2013 1×
10 A trader applies for registration of 'Gandhi' as a trademark for his business. Can he succeed? Explain with reasons. 2013 1×
10 A trader wants to register the name of a chemical element as a trademark for his business. Can he succeed in such registration? Decide with reasons. 2011 1×
10 A translates the work of B. Is it infringement of the copyright of B? 2015 1×
10 A tribal group of people want to protect intellectual property in one of their herbal products used for many decades. Advise them as to the proper form of IPR protection available in the given case. 2021 1×
10 'A' wants to obtain patent for a pharmaceutical invention in the form of a new product. Explain the position in the years 1994 and 2019. 2021 1×
10 A watch company used the photo of the idol of Lord Venkateshwara on a range of Watches produced by it. On what grounds can the use and registration of the mark be objected? 2014 1×
10 "M" is a well known photographer. He shot the pictures of Sunrise. Can he claim copyright in those pictures? 2021 1×
10 A wellness startup files a Patent application for an immunity -boosting syrup made from Tulsi and Giloy, ingredients long used in Indian traditional medicine. A local NGO wants to challenge the application. Advise the NGO on the challenge. 2025 1×
15 Analyse the provisions of the Paris Convention and its impact on protection of Industrial property in India. 2021 1×
15 Analyse the role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in protection and promotion of Intellectual Property. 2014 1×
15 Discuss briefly the main forms of Intellectual property. How can it be distinguished from passing-off? 2012 1×
15 Explain the classification of Intellectual Property with suitable illustrations. 2016 1×
15 Explain the concept of infringement of copyright and the exceptions thereto. 2015 1×
15 Define copyright. Discuss the subject matter of copyright protection under the Indian law. 2013 1×
15 Define Copyright. Explain the concept of infringement of trademarks. 2012 1×
15 What is Copyright? Explain its meaning, nature and scope. 2013 1×
15 Define Copyright. Explain the subject-matter of copyright protection. 2014 1×
15 "Copyright protects expressions and not ideas." Discuss. 2012 1×
15 Examine the current legislative framework of patents in India. 2022 1×
15 Define Design. Write an essay on the piracy of design and the remedies thereof. 2020 1×
15 What is the difference between tangible and intangible property? Explain with reference to intellectual property. 2012 1×
15 Distinguish Infringement of Trademark from Passing off with suitable case law. 2019 1×
15 Distinguish the Infringement of Trademarks from passing off with reference to decided cases. 2013 1×
15 Explain the economic and moral rights of authors of copyrighted works. 2018 1×
15 Explain the evolution and Concept of IPR. Discuss the third world perspectives of IPR. 2022 1×
15 What is meant by geographical indications of goods? Explain the procedure for registration of geographical indications. 2017 1×
15 How does Trade Mark registration benefit businesses and consumers? Explain the legal criteria for registering a Trade Mark under Indian law. 2025 1×
15 State the important objectives and principles governing TRIPS. Explain the Berne Convention on protection of literary and artistic works. 2022 1×
15 Define an Industrial Design. Explain different rights vested in the holders of designs. 2016 1×
15 What is infringement of copyright? Explain the exceptions thereto. 2017 1×
15 What is Intellectual Property? How does it differ from other forms of property? Why should it be protected? 2013 1×
15 What are the intellectual property rights that require statutory registration? 2015 1×
15 What is an Invention? What are the inventions that cannot be patented under the Patent Act, 1970? 2015 1×
15 Explain the justification behind Intellectual Property Rights. What are the different forms of Intellectual Property Rights? 2019 1×
15 What are the legal provisions incorporated in the Copyright Act, 1957 safeguarding international copyright? 2017 1×
15 What are the limitations to the rights of a patent holder? 2012 1×
15 Explain the main forms of Intellectual Property. 2021 1×
15 Explain the meaning and nature of intellectual property. Analyse the theories of protection. 2011 1×
15 What are not inventions under S. 3 of the Patents Act? Briefly explain the Novartis case in this regard. 2020 1×
15 What are not inventions as per Section 3 of the Patents Act? 2019 1×
15 What is originality in a work? Explain the statement that copyright is a bundle of rights. 2020 1×
15 Explain the patentable subject-matter and essential conditions for grant of a patent. 2016 1×
15 Explain the Patentable subject matter in India. 2014 1×
15 Explain the powers and functions of the IPAB (Intellectual Property Appellate Board). 2015 1×
15 Explain the powers and functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization in promotion and protection of Intellectual Property Rights. 2011 1×
15 Explain the procedure to obtain a patent under the Patent Act, 1970. 2011 1×
15 Explain the procedure to register a trademark. What are the absolute and relative grounds for refusal to register a trademark? 2011 1×
15 Explain the rights of authors under the Copyright Act, 1957. Distinguish between economic rights and moral rights, and explain their significance. 2025 1×
15 Discuss the rights of the Authors and copyright Owners. 2021 1×
15 Explain the rights of the authors and owners. 2012 1×
15 Explain the rights of the copyright owner and the remedies for violation of such rights. 2011 1×
15 Examine the role of International instruments in the development of Intellectual property law. Discuss how various treaties and conventions have influenced the evolution of the rights of authors under IP protection in India and globally. 2025 1×
15 Discuss the salient features of the Berne Convention. 2018 1×
15 Explain the salient features of the Designs Act, 2000. 2013 1×
15 Explain the salient features of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. 2011 1×
15 Explain the structure, powers and functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). 2013 1×
15 What are the three main forms of remedies for protecting intellectual rights? 2015 1×
15 Trace the development of patent laws in India. 2015 1×
15 What is Trade Mark? Explain the procedure for Registration of a Trade Mark. 2013 1×
15 What is a Trademark? Explain the functions and classification of trademarks. 2014 1×
15 Define Trademark. What are the conditions for refusal to register a trademark under the Trademarks Act, 1999? 2020 1×
15 Discuss the various rights and duties of the patentees. 2011 1×
15 What amounts to infringement of Trademarks? How does it differ from Passing-off? 2021 1×
15 What inventions are excluded from Patent protection under Section 3 of the Patents Act, 1970? Explain with relevant illustrations. 2025 1×
15 Who is an 'author'? Discuss the concept of copyright ownership and its limitations. 2022 1×
15 Who is the owner of copyright? Explain different modes of transfer of copyright with special reference to assignment. 2016 1×
15 Who is the owner of copyright? How can the ownership of copyright be assigned? 2011 1×