Delhi High Court Quashes Patent Office Order, Directs Reconsideration of Trident’s “Air Rich Yarn” Patent
Court Says Patent Office Failed to Properly Examine Inventive Step and Key Features of Yarn Technology
Judgment Offers Relief to Textile Giant, Reinforces Fairness in India’s Patent Examination Process
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: November 28, 2025:
In a significant boost to India’s textile industry, the Delhi High Court has overturned a decision of the Patent Office that had rejected Trident Limited’s application for a patent on its “Air Rich Yarn” technology. The Court held that the Controller of Patents failed to properly examine the invention’s distinctive features and did not provide adequate reasoning for concluding that the invention lacked an inventive step.
Background of the Case
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Trident Limited, a Ludhiana-based textile manufacturer known for its towels, bedsheets, and yarn products, filed a patent application in 2010 for its innovative “Air Rich Yarn” and related fabric technology. The invention involves mixing base fibres with water-soluble fibres in specific proportions. Once the soluble fibres dissolve, evenly distributed pores are created across the yarn’s cross-section. This results in yarn that is softer, more absorbent, and faster drying compared to conventional yarns.
The Patent Office rejected the application in 2021, citing lack of inventive step and obviousness. Trident challenged the rejection before the Delhi High Court, arguing that similar patents had already been granted in the United States and Europe, and that the Indian Patent Office had failed to appreciate the novelty of its invention.
Court’s Observations
Justice Tejas Karia, delivering the judgment on November 24, 2025, made several critical observations:
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- The Patent Office failed to properly examine the homogeneous distribution of pores across the radial cross-section of yarn, which was the key inventive feature.
- The Controller’s order lacked sufficient reasoning and did not correctly apply the test of obviousness under Indian patent law.
- Raising new grounds at the hearing stage without giving the applicant a fair chance to respond was impermissible.
- The refusal order suffered from “several infirmities” and could not be sustained.
The Court directed that the matter be remanded to a different Controller of Patents, who must reconsider the application on its merits within six months, without being influenced by the earlier rejection.
Importance of the Ruling
This judgment is important for several reasons:
- Fairness in Patent Examination: It reinforces that patent authorities must provide clear reasoning and give applicants a fair chance to respond.
- Boost for Innovation: By protecting genuine inventions, the ruling encourages Indian companies to invest in research and development.
- Global Alignment: Since Trident’s technology has already been patented abroad, the ruling ensures India’s patent regime remains consistent with international standards.
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Industry Impact
The textile industry is one of India’s largest employers and exporters. Innovations like “Air Rich Yarn” can significantly improve product quality and competitiveness in global markets. By ensuring fair treatment of patent applications, the Court has sent a positive signal to innovators across sectors.
Trident’s “Air Rich Yarn” is particularly important because:
- It enhances water absorption in towels and fabrics.
- It reduces drying time, making products more consumer friendly.
- It improves softness and comfort, giving Indian textiles an edge in international markets.
Expert Views
Patent experts welcomed the ruling, noting that it strengthens confidence in India’s intellectual property system. According to them:
- The judgment clarifies that inventive step must be assessed carefully, not dismissed casually.
- It highlights the need for training patent examiners to evaluate complex technologies.
- It reassures businesses that Indian courts will protect innovation against arbitrary administrative decisions.
Broader Implications
The ruling has broader implications for India’s innovation ecosystem:
- Encourages R&D: Companies may be more willing to invest in new technologies if they know patents will be fairly examined.
- Reduces Litigation: Clearer guidelines for patent examination can reduce disputes and appeals.
- Strengthens IP Protection: Aligns India’s patent regime with global best practices, boosting investor confidence.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision to set aside the Patent Office’s rejection of Trident’s “Air Rich Yarn” patent is a milestone in India’s intellectual property jurisprudence. It underscores the importance of fairness, transparency, and proper reasoning in patent examination.
For Trident, the ruling offers a fresh chance to secure protection for its innovation, which could transform the textile industry. For India, it reinforces the principle that innovation deserves protection, and administrative decisions must withstand judicial scrutiny.
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