Summary
VPATAPP is an Android-based mobile application launched in October, serving as a comprehensive repository of patent-related information worldwide. Designed for patent professionals in industry and academia, it aggregates patent blogs, legal resources, search tools, journals, and IP course links. The app, developed by a team led by Mr. Vijaykumar Shivpuje, currently covers resources from over 50 countries. While the first version is simple and functional, future updates are planned to include additional features and broader IP coverage. Feedback and reviews are welcomed by the development team to enhance the app further.
Overview
An Android-based mobile application named VPATAPP was launched in the third week of October 2015. The application aggregates patent-related information and resources from around the world and is available free of charge from the Android Play Store.
Features
VPATAPP functions as a repository of patent-related links and information. It was designed primarily for patent professionals across industry and academia. The first version includes seven features:
- Links to IP blogs from around the world.
- Web links to full-time LLM, Masters, and Graduate courses in intellectual property in the United States, Europe, India, Singapore, Australia, Korea, Israel, and South Africa.
- A selection of journals in the area of intellectual property law, with particular emphasis on patents.
- Weekly or monthly official gazettes and registers published by patent offices across the world; the first version covers 54 countries and regions.
- Patent classification systems.
- Patent search websites from patent offices around the world; the first version covers 62 countries and regions.
- Updated full-text patent acts from different countries as published by the respective patent offices or WIPO; the first version covers 55 countries and regions.
The application may be downloaded at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.gunadhya.vpatapp.
Development Team
The application was developed by a team of four intellectual property enthusiasts, led by Vijaykumar Shivpuje, who holds over a decade of experience in the patents domain and was at the time of publication working with a pharmaceutical MNC.
Assessment
The first version lacks strong aesthetic appeal but is simple, functional, and user-friendly. The content under certain tabs, such as the IP courses section, is limited in scope. A second version, planned for release in December 2015, was expected to include additional features and expanded information across the existing categories. The developers indicated that subsequent versions may also extend coverage to forms of intellectual property beyond patents.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified attorney before acting on any matter discussed here.