DSC for Patent e filing FAQ Guide

Your creativity speaks through your invention, and you have every right to protect it.

Filing a patent in India has become much simpler with the online e-filing system. For inventors, startups, and companies, having the right knowledge about using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for patent e-filing is crucial. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about DSCs, helping you file your patent securely and efficiently.

Buy Capricorn DSC today from a verified provider and simplify your patent e-filing process.

DSC for Patent e filing Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a DSC for patent e-filing?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC for patent e-filing) is a secure digital key that verifies your identity online. It is required to file patent applications electronically in India, ensuring that your submission is authenticated and tamper-proof.

2. Where can I get a DSC for patent e-filing?

You can obtain a DSC from certified providers licensed by the Government of India.

Make sure to choose a trusted provider like Capricorn CA to avoid delays in your patent filing process.

3. How long is a patent valid in India? (Patent timeline in India)

The life of a patent in India is 20 years from the date of filing. After this period, the patent expires, and the invention enters the public domain.

4. How to file a patent in India for free?

You can file a patent application online through the official Indian Patent Advanced Search System (IPAS) portal. While there are filing fees, the government offers fee concessions for startups, small entities, and individual inventors, which can reduce costs significantly.

5. What is the patent filing procedure in India?

The patent filing process involves:

1. Conducting a patent search to ensure novelty.

2. Preparing and submitting a patent application (provisional or complete) online.

3. Receiving acknowledgment from the Indian Patent Office.

4. Requesting examination within 48 months.

5. Responding to objections, if any, before grant.

6. Which Digital Signature to use for registering or filing applications?

No. You must use a valid Class 3 DSC issued by an approved Certifying Authority. Only then will the system accept it for registration or filing.

7. Can I use my old user ID and password to log into the new Comprehensive e-Filing portal?

No, a new login is required for the updated Comprehensive e-Filing system. Old credentials won't work.

8. Do i need different DSCs for patent e filing for multiple login IDs or just one?

No. A single DSC cannot be used to create different login accounts. A Digital Signature is meant to be used only by the person it belongs to, as it verifies identity and ensures security. Sharing or using the same DSC for multiple users is not safe, and the owner is responsible for keeping the DSC protected and used only by them.

Thinking of buying Digital Signature for patent e filing, but not sure about the procedure to apply? CLICK HERE to know how to apply for DSC for patent e filing.

9. I'm not able to add my DSC during registration. What could be the reason?

Your browser needs to be running in “Administrator mode.”

Your computer must open the browser with admin rights to use the Comprehensive e-Filing system properly. Here's how:

If you're using Windows 7:

- Just Right-click on the Internet Explorer icon

- Select “Run as Administrator”

For other operating systems:

- Check with your IT team or system administrator to know how to open your browser with administrative permissions.

10. I am getting a runtime error while adding my DSC. What should I do?

Make sure your browser is running in Administrative mode.

11. Which operating systems are currently supported?

The patent e-filing supports Windows XP (SP3) and newer versions of Windows.

12. Which is the web browser that works best for patent e filing?

The system works most smoothly on Internet Explorer 9 or above. Other browsers may not support DSC features properly.

13. My DSC has expired and I have bought another one. What is the process to update DSC for Patent e filing?

Go to the “Renew Digital Signature” option. You can find it in the Control Panel section of the portal and follow the steps to upload your fresh DSC.

14. I uploaded the wrong DSC during registration. How do I replace it?

Just follow the same steps used for renewing your DSC. This will allow you to update the certificate.

15. When I click “Add Digital Signature”, it says “Password should not be empty”. Why?

This simply means you must enter the token password after selecting your certificate. Without the password, the system cannot load the DSC.

16. The system says “Certificate not found”, even though I have installed it. What should I check?

Make sure the complete certificate chain is installed and valid.

You can verify this in Internet Explorer under:

Tools -> Internet Options -> Content -> Certificates -> View -> Certification Path
The status should show “This certificate is OK.

17. Which forms can be filed using the Comprehensive e-Filing system?

Almost all forms listed in Schedule 1 of the Patent Rules can be filed online.

Only a few documents—such as Power of Attorney, Assignments, Certified Copies—still need to be submitted in physical form at the Patent Office.

18. I filed a form, made payment, received my application number/receipt, but it's not showing in IPAIRS. Why?

Some submissions need to be validated and approved by the Patent Office before they appear on IPAIRS. Once approved, they will be visible.

19. Can I edit a form after signing it with my DSC?

No. Once a form is digitally signed, it becomes locked.

If you need to make changes, you must discard the signed draft and create a fresh one.

20. Who can apply for patent in India?

A patent in India can be applied for by:

The true inventor – the person who actually created the invention

A company or organization – if the invention was developed under employment or company ownership

An assignee – someone to whom the inventor has officially transferred the rights

Ready to buy DSC? Choose Capricorn CA for fast, secure, and trusted e-filing.

Final Words

With this DSC for Patent e-Filing FAQ Guide, you get all the essential answers in one place—clear, simple, and easy to follow. You no longer need to search for separate resources like DSC for patent e filing FAQ PDF, Patent Questions and Answers PDF, or Patent Filing Procedure in India PDF.

Everything you need to understand the DSC requirements, filing steps, and common issues is already covered here.

As long as you have the right DSC and a basic understanding of how the e-filing system works, your patent filing journey becomes smooth, secure, and hassle-free.