India's Trade Marks Registry Proposes Mandatory AI Disclosure

India's Trade Marks Registry is proposing significant changes to its filing procedures, with draft guidelines mandating applicants to declare the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in any submission.

The proposed rules also explicitly forbid the use of AI for authoring affidavits or altering evidence, including materials such as advertisements, labels, and invoices. Furthermore, any case law citations suggested by AI must be independently verified, and failure to disclose AI use will be considered a misrepresentation.

The office is also soliciting public comments on broader guidelines to address AI misuse and trademark squatting, following a recent court order emphasizing the need for comprehensive regulations on these issues.

Violations of the draft guidelines could result in penalties, including the striking off of submissions and potential disciplinary action against agents and advocates.