Indian Army secures IPR for new digital-print Coat Combat design
With the design registration in place, the Army now holds exclusive ownership of both the coat’s design and its digital camouflage pattern.
New Delhi, November 20: The Indian Army has secured exclusive intellectual property rights (IPR) for its newly introduced Coat Combat (Digital Print), further strengthening its push toward modernisation, indigenisation and enhanced soldier welfare. The design has been officially registered with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Kolkata, under Design Application No. 449667-001 dated February 27, 2025, and published in the Patent Office Journal on October 7, 2025.
Unveiled earlier this year, the new Coat Combat marks a significant upgrade to the Army’s combat clothing system. Developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, under the Army Design Bureau, the three-layered garment integrates advanced technical textiles and ergonomic design elements to improve comfort, mobility and operational effectiveness across varied climatic and tactical environments.
With the design registration in place, the Army now holds exclusive ownership of both the coat’s design and its digital camouflage pattern. The IPR protection prohibits any unauthorised manufacturing, reproduction or commercial use by external entities. Violations will attract legal action under the Designs Act, 2000, the Designs Rules, 2001 and relevant provisions of the Patents Act, 1970.
Features of the Coat Combat ensemble include:
– Outer Layer: A digitally printed camouflage coat engineered for concealment and durability across diverse terrains.
– Inner Jacket: A lightweight, insulated mid-layer designed for warmth without hindering agility.
– Thermal Layer: A breathable base layer that maintains thermal regulation and moisture control in extreme conditions.
Officials said the upgraded combat ensemble represents a major leap in combining operational functionality with enhanced soldier comfort and protection. The IPR milestone also underscores the Army’s growing focus on innovation, design security and self-reliance in defence textiles—aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Army’s Decade of Transformation (2023–2032).
