Indian Army Acquires Exclusive IP Rights for Advanced Digital Camouflage Coat Design
The Indian Army has attained exclusive Intellectual Property Rights for its newly launched Coat Combat (Digital Print), advancing its modernisation and indigenisation initiatives. This achievement was confirmed with the design's registration by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks in Kolkata.
Introduced in January 2025, the New Coat Combat is part of the Army's revamped combat uniform system. Developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi through a consultancy project directed by the Army Design Bureau, the advanced three-layered outfit is designed to enhance comfort, mobility, and operational efficiency across various terrains and climates.
Official details indicate that the design is registered under Design Application No. 449667-001 dated 27 February 2025, and was published in the Official Journal of the Patent Office on 7 October 2025. This grants the Indian Army exclusive rights to the design and its digital camouflage pattern.
This registration provides legal protection against any unauthorized manufacturing, reproduction, or commercial use by non-authorized entities. Violations will result in strict legal actions, including injunctions and damage claims, as per the Designs Act, 2000, Designs Rules, 2001, and the Patents Act, 1970.
The New Coat Combat system is engineered to enhance soldier performance and protection in various operational settings. It features:
| Outer Layer: | A digitally printed camouflage coat, offering enhanced concealment and durability for diverse terrains. |
| Inner Jacket: | A lightweight, breathable insulated layer providing warmth without limiting mobility. |
| Thermal Layer: | A base layer designed for moisture control and thermal regulation in extreme weather. |
This integrated design marks a significant advancement in combining technical textiles, ergonomic engineering, and battlefield needs, highlighting the Army’s dedication to enhancing soldier comfort and capability.
The successful registration of the IPR is a crucial step in protecting indigenous military designs from external exploitation. It emphasizes the Army's commitment to innovation, design protection, and self-reliance in defense clothing systems, which are essential components of the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Army’s Decade of Transformation (2023–2032).
By securing complete ownership of the new camouflage and coat design, the Indian Army is reinforcing its technological superiority while ensuring that its uniform systems adhere to the highest standards of protection and performance.
