The Indian Army has secured exclusive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the newly introduced Coat Combat (Digital Print), marking another major stride in its ongoing modernisation and indigenisation efforts. The development was confirmed following the registration of its design with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Kolkata.
The New Coat Combat, unveiled in January 2025, is the latest addition to the Army’s upgraded combat uniform system. Designed and developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, under a consultancy project overseen by the Army Design Bureau, the advanced three-layered ensemble enhances comfort, mobility, and operational efficiency across varied terrains and climates.
According to official information, the design has been 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. With this, the Indian Army now holds exclusive ownership of both the design and its digital camouflage pattern.
The registration ensures legal protection against unauthorised manufacturing, reproduction, or commercial usage by any non-authorised entity. Any infringement will invite strict legal action, including injunctions and claims for damages, under the Designs Act, 2000, Designs Rules, 2001, and the Patents Act, 1970.
A Three-Layered Advanced Combat Ensemble
The New Coat Combat system has been engineered to improve soldier performance and protection in diverse operational environments. It comprises:
- Outer Layer: A digitally printed camouflage coat, offering enhanced concealment and durability suited for a wide range of terrains.
- Inner Jacket: A lightweight, breathable insulated layer that provides warmth without restricting mobility.
- Thermal Layer: A base layer designed for moisture control and thermal regulation during extreme weather.
This integrated design represents a major leap in the fusion of technical textiles, ergonomic engineering, and battlefield requirements, further underscoring the Army’s commitment to improving soldier comfort and capability.
Boosting Innovation and Self-Reliance
The successful IPR registration is a significant step in safeguarding indigenous military designs and preventing misuse by external agencies. It reinforces the Army’s focus on innovation, design protection, and self-reliance in defence clothing systems—key pillars of the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Army’s Decade of Transformation (2023–2032).
With full ownership of the new camouflage and coat design, the Indian Army continues to strengthen its technological edge while ensuring that its uniform systems meet the highest standards of protection and performance.
