New Delhi: The Indian Army is expected to file for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over its new digital-pattern uniform and plans to roll out the new design by 2025, sources in the defence and security establishment said.
Designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) — “in close coordination” with the Army — the new combat uniform was showcased in January on the occasion of Army Day. The fatigues are a combination of olive and earthen colours, ThePrint had previously reported.
“The uniform is unique in its creation as it has an exclusive digital camouflage pattern, contemporary & functional design and a lighter yet stronger and more breathable fabric. Because of this, the Army wants to adopt control measures to maintain its exclusivity,” defence sources said.
They added the Army had established ownership on this pattern and design by applying to the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks in April this year. The process to file the IPR will begin soon.
Security sources said the new uniform would be available through central procurement and the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) by August 2022.
Further, the Army has flagged the issue of “uncontrolled proliferation” of the existing combat uniform which has led to security vulnerabilities, leading to “unauthorised variants” available for purchase from shops in Army Cantonments and Military Stations.
The Army Monday conducted an awareness campaign in collaboration with the Delhi Police to educate and dissuade Delhi Cantonment shopkeepers from selling “unauthorised” combat fabric.
“In a two pronged approach, strict instructions have been issued prohibiting any serving Army personnel to procure the new pattern uniform from unauthorised vendors; similarly, once the IPR process is completed, any unauthorised shopkeeper selling the new combat dress will face legal action and subsequent prosecution,” sources in the defence and security establishment said.
A year ago, the Indian Navy had released its new uniform with a digital-camouflage pattern.
Also read: Army to introduce new combat uniform this month, with digital disruptive patterns & more comfort