In today’s competitive global landscape, India has a unique opportunity to redefine its stance on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and position itself as a global innovation hub. In a recent working paper, ‘India and Global IPR Treaties,’ Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), emphasized the need for India to shift from a defensive to an offensive posture on IPR. Co-authored with Apurv Kumar Mishra, the paper outlines why signing key international IPR agreements is crucial for India’s R&D ecosystem and economic growth.
Why This Shift Matters
India has long been cautious about participating in global IPR frameworks, often fearing that such agreements might primarily benefit foreign applicants. However, the landscape has changed. Domestic IPR filings are rising, and India’s aspirations to become a manufacturing and R&D powerhouse require aligning with global best practices. Signing these agreements would send a strong signal to both domestic and foreign entrepreneurs about India’s commitment to protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation.
Key Agreements India Should Consider
- Strasbourg Agreement (International Patent Classification 1971):
This treaty offers a standardized system for patent classification with no significant downsides, making it a strategic win for India. - Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement (1999) on Industrial Designs:
Simplifies the process of registering industrial designs internationally. However, India must ensure it has the internal capacity to handle international applications before fully integrating. - Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement (2015) on Geographical Indications (GIs):
This agreement streamlines the registration process for GIs but requires careful stakeholder consultation and amendments to the existing GI Act (1999) to balance domestic interests. - Design Law Treaty (2024):
Recently negotiated, this treaty improves procedural efficiencies in design filings—essential for India’s growing design and manufacturing sectors.
Strategic Benefits for India
- Strengthening the R&D Ecosystem: Aligning with global IPR standards will help India benchmark its performance against international peers and attract global investments.
- Encouraging Innovation: Signing these treaties demonstrates India’s commitment to protecting intellectual property, creating an environment where domestic innovators can thrive and compete globally.
- Boosting Confidence for Entrepreneurs: Clear, internationally recognized IPR frameworks provide reassurance to both domestic and foreign investors, fostering a climate of trust and long-term investment.
Addressing Domestic Concerns
The fear that global IPR agreements primarily benefit foreign applicants is outdated. With the increasing number of domestic IPR filings, these agreements will provide Indian innovators with the tools to protect their creations on a global scale. As Sanyal points out, the focus must shift from defending domestic markets to empowering Indian innovators to capture global opportunities.