Captcha Blocks, Accessibility Knocks: Will CGPDTM Open the Door?

Featured image showing that CAPTCHA on the CGPDTM Trade Marks portal blocks blind users from accessing online IP services, raising the question of digital accessibility. Featured image for article: Captcha Blocks, Accessibility Knocks: Will CGPDTM Open the Door?

In the case of Masoom Reza v. The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, the dispute centred on whether the IP Office Trade Marks filing and search systems could be used in a meaningful way by a person with disability. The complaint challenged inaccessible CAPTCHA features, the lack of effective alternatives, and the resulting denial of equal access to essential online services. The court examined the statutory duties governing digital accessibility and issued detailed corrective directions. This order follows the Karnataka High Court judgement in Dr Kalyan C. Kankanala v. Union of India, where the Office of the CGPDTM filed an affidavit stating that it had issued accessibility and reasonable accommodation guidelines and would make its websites accessible to persons with disabilities.

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Accessibility of Intermediary Services to Persons with Disabilities – Proposed Amendments to IT Rules

The post analyses proposed IT Rules amendments to address accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities. It recommends mandatory provisions to ensure digital platforms comply with Indian disability laws and policies.

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