IPR think tank to submit draft policy soon

NEW DELHI: The think-tank on intellectual property rights (IPRs), set up by the commerce and industry ministry, is expected to soon submit its draft policy.

"The think-tank would submit the draft report on IPR this month," an official said, adding that an inter-ministerial consultation would held on the policy.

The ministry would also seek public comments on the draft policy. The final policy would be approved by the Union Cabinet.

In October, the ministry had constituted a six-member think tank to draft the national IPR policy.

The panel was chaired by retired Justice Prabha Sridevan. As per the terms of reference, it would provide views on the possible implications of demands placed by the negotiating partners and prepare periodic reports on best practice followed in foreign countries.

It will also keep the government regularly informed of the developments taking place in IPR cases, which have an impact upon India's IPR policy.

The IPR policy will help modernise IP administration and offices; commercialisation of IP; collaboration between different departments including science and technology; encourage innovation and enhance domestic filing of patents.

The formulation of the policy assumes significance as the Obama administration in the recent times has been strongly criticising India's IPR laws, especially in the pharma sector.

India has maintained that its IPR regime is fully compliant with WTO laws and international rules.

Recently, the US concluded its Out-of-Cycle Review of India's intellectual property policies and said that India has made useful commitments in recent months to institutionalise high-level engagement, pursue a specific work programme and deepen cooperation and information exchange with the US on IP-related issues.