Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property (IP) laws in India cover trademarks, patents, copyrights, and designs. The country’s patent laws were originally framed by the British, in line with the laws prevalent at that time in England. These laws have been amended now and again in India, and, with growing awareness of the importance of IPR, the efforts to enforce laws governing these issues have also increased. Copyright laws are also in place and being enforced, and trademarks are protected, too.
Two areas to be wary as far as India and IPR are concerned are pharmaceuticals and software. However, even in these areas you should have no cause to worry if you ensure that you check the credentials of your prospective partner.
Another factor that could be of interest to you is the fact that in India, the amount of IPR-related litigation is far less than what you see in the West. That’s probably because IPR awareness in India doesn’t yet match that of the West. But this issue has been given a lot of media coverage lately, and the average Indian is growing more aware of trademark, copyright, and patent protection, and concerned citizens are promoting fair practices.
The state of intellectual property rights in India
The scope and sternness of IP laws have been increasing in recent years: All the laws were amended in 1999 and 2000 to conform to the WTO’s Trade-Related Aspects ...
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