Patents Act, 1970
99. Meaning of use of invention for purposes of government
(1) For the purposes of this chapter, an invention is said to be
used for the purposes of government if it is made, used, exercised or vended
for the purposes of the Central Government, a State Government or a government
undertaking.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of
sub-section (1)-
(a) the importation, by or on behalf of the
government, of any invention being a machine, apparatus; or other article
covered by a patent granted before the commencement of this Act, for the
purpose merely of its own use; and
(b) the importation, by or on behalf of the
government, of any invention being a medicine or drug covered by a patent
granted before the commencement of this Act-
(i) for the purpose
merely of its own use; or
(ii) for the purpose of distribution in any
dispensary, hospital or other medical institution maintained by or on behalf of
the government or in any other dispensary, hospital or other medical
institution which the Central Government may, having regard to the public
service which such other dispensary, hospital or medical institution renders,
specify in this behalf by notification in the Official Gazette, shall also be
deemed, for the purposes of this Chapter, to be use of such invention for the
purposes of government.
(3) Nothing contained in this Chapter shall apply in respect of
any such importation making or using of any machine, apparatus, or other
article or of any such using of any process or of any such importation, using
or distribution of any medicine or drug, as may be made by virtue of one or
more of the conditions specified in section 47.