<h1>India Amends Patent Rules for Faster Examination When India is ISA or Applicant is a Startup.</h1> The Patent Rules have been amended to allow expedited examination of applications if India is the designated International Searching Authority or if the applicant is a startup. These changes, effective from May 16, 2016, aim to address the backlog of 206,025 pending patent applications due to manpower shortages. To reduce examination times, 458 patent examiners have been appointed and trained, procedures have been simplified, and online filing facilities enhanced. Additionally, computerized workflows and IT-enabled functions have been implemented to improve examination speed and quality. This information was provided by a government official in a written response to the Lok Sabha.