Disability Rights | Intellepedia

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.

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.

BananaIP Weekly IP Insights – November 15th, 2023

This week’s update covers WIPO’s report on record global patent filings, growth in Indian applications, and the forthcoming Design Law Treaty conference. It also examines accessibility initiatives in intellectual property, including new measures for persons with disabilities.

Accessibility is Mandatory for Businesses says CCPD

The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has clarified that accessibility requirements under the RPwD Act apply to private businesses. Private establishments must ensure their services, especially information and communication technology products, meet prescribed accessibility standards to remain compliant.

Indian IP Office issues Accessibility Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities

The Indian IP Office has released guidelines to enhance accessibility and provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. These measures aim to support inclusive participation in IP matters and ensure compliance with recent legal standards.

Open Science and its Facets – ICCIG 4 at IIM, Ahmedabad

The ICCIG 4 panel at IIM Ahmedabad explored the legal, social, and institutional facets of open science in India. Discussions addressed inclusion, access, and the evolving roles of libraries and policy in fostering a more open scientific community.

Accessibility of Science to Persons with Blindness: Miles and Miles To Go

The article explores the barriers faced by persons with blindness in accessing scientific resources and information in India. It discusses legal developments, institutional challenges, and the need for targeted policies and collaborative initiatives to improve accessibility in science education and research.

Blindness and Accessible Books: From Marrakesh to Marella Gunta Palem

This post explores the progress and challenges of accessible books for blindness in India since the Marrakesh Treaty. Despite legal reforms and initiatives, significant barriers to information access persist for persons with disabilities.

Access to Copyrighted Works for Persons with Disability- Conference at NLSIU

The NLSIU conference examines the Marrakesh Treaty and Indian copyright law, focusing on improving access to works for persons with disabilities. Experts and stakeholders discuss legal provisions, implications, and the broader impact on accessibility.

Copyright Exceptions for Access to the Blind – Marrakesh Treaty

The Marrakesh Treaty introduces essential copyright exceptions to improve access to published works for the blind and visually impaired. While limited in scope, it represents a notable advancement for accessible literature and copyright law in India.