New Digital Combat Coat Secures IPR, Marking Defence Design Breakthrough

In a significant move reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defence, the Indian Army has secured Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for its New Coat Combat (Digital Print) — a state-of-the-art uniform component designed for enhanced soldier comfort and tactical efficiency. Unveiled in January 2025, the coat was developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Army Design Bureau. This development not only reflects technological and ergonomic advancement in military wear but also underscores the Army’s commitment to design protection, innovation, and indigenisation under the broader framework of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

IPR Milestone: Legal Recognition of Army’s Combat Design

The Indian Army’s digital camouflage design and garment structure have been officially registered with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Kolkata.

Key Legal Details

• Design Application No.: 449667-001
• Date of Filing: 27 February 2025
• Published In: Official Journal of the Patent Office on 07 October 2025
• Legal Framework: Designs Act, 2000; Designs Rules, 2001; Patents Act, 1970

With this, the Army holds exclusive IPR over the design and pattern, ensuring protection from unauthorized reproduction, manufacturing, or commercial exploitation. Legal action, including injunctions and damages, can be pursued in cases of infringement.

Features of the New Coat Combat (Digital Print)

The three-tiered combat ensemble is designed for multi-terrain adaptability and operational readiness,

1. Outer Layer – Digital Camouflage Coat

• Incorporates digitally printed camouflage tailored to diverse terrains
• Offers durability, tactical concealment, and protection during operations

2. Inner Jacket – Insulated Mid-layer

• Made of breathable, lightweight fabric
• Provides warmth while maintaining full mobility

3. Thermal Layer – Base Layer

• Designed for moisture control and thermal regulation
• Suitable for extreme weather conditions across operational zones

These layers work in unison to ensure high performance, comfort, and safety, especially in adverse climatic and tactical environments.

Role of NIFT and Army Design Bureau

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) led the design project as a consultancy assignment, bringing advanced textile research and ergonomic engineering into combat gear development.

The Army Design Bureau (ADB), which acts as a technology bridge between the Army and academia/industry, facilitated this project to align with the Army’s transformation goals under the ‘Decade of Transformation: 2023–2032’.

Significance of IPR in Defence Modernisation

The IPR registration of the New Coat Combat marks a strategic step in,

• Protecting indigenous innovations from duplication
• Creating legal deterrents against misuse by commercial or foreign entities
• Boosting morale and ownership over national designs
• Promoting Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence textiles

This is a first-of-its-kind initiative for the Indian Army, signifying its transition into an era where design thinking, IP management, and military technology converge for national security and innovation.

Static Facts

• Design Secured: New Coat Combat (Digital Print)
• Design Filed: 27 February 2025
• Published: 07 October 2025
• Design Application No.: 449667-001
• Registered With: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Kolkata
• Design Developed By: National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi
• Under Aegis Of: Army Design Bureau
• Legal Protection Under: Designs Act, 2000; Patents Act, 1970; Designs Rules, 2001
• Initiative Aligned With: Atmanirbhar Bharat and Army’s Decade of Transformation (2023–2032)