Car News in India

Tata Motors has applied for patent protection for over 37 innovative concepts and ideas associated to its ultra-cheap car, the Nano. According to company’s official in this competitive car industry there are possibilities that the innovations and inventions pioneered by Tata in the Nano can be imitated by other car manufacturers. Hence, an aggressive move like this can be beneficial for the company and will also help the manufacturer to sell the Nano in other markets like Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

It is believed that till date Tata has filed over 400 patents and design applications for various vehicles produced by the company. It is as equal as filing an intellectual property right (IPR) claims for the Nano in overseas market.

Commenting on patent protection, a company spokesperson said, “As far as the Tata Nano is concerned, 37 inventions have been filed for patent protection so far to cover all the innovations in the car. We are also considering filing IPs on Nano in overseas locations at an appropriate time. Most of the patent applications filed before 2007 have already been granted. Further, nearly one-fifth of the patent applications are in the process of getting protection in other countries based on the marketing portfolio, scope of invention and costs involved in protection and enforcement.”

He also added that apart from introducing new design concepts the company has also put in hard efforts to introduce low-cost components and make the rear engine driven vehicle fuel efficient. According to analysts who specialize in patent and IPRs, this aggressive move by Tata Motors is an important focus area for the company and will further become an essential part of its international business growth strategy.

The base model of the Nano will cost Rs 1 Lakh and will be fitted with variomatic gears, a rear engine, and boot space in the front. Moreover, the auto-transmission variants will be comparatively priced higher in the range of Rs 1.4 Lakh-Rs 1.6 Lakh. Tata Motors is yet to announce the pricing and booking details.