In a symbosium "Indian Patent Act 2005: An impetus to science in India", jointly organised by OPPI and NASSCOM here today, both drug firms and representatives of software industry called for further clarity on the Patent Act.
The speakers called for a review on the sections that allow rejection of patents on "incremental innovations" as they felt that India's research strengths lie in incremental innovations.
"Incremental innovations are essential if India has to capitalise on its strengths in traditional medicine systems. It should be recognised", Swati Piramal, director strategic alliance and communications, Nicholas Piramal
said.
Prabuddha Ganguli, a patent attorney wanted India to rectify the shortcomings in the Patent Act to make it world class. "There is no clear definition on efficacy. Similarly, the definition of "pharmaceutical substance" is vague. These are indications that suggest that people have not applied their mind while writing the law", Ganguli said.
The speakers also highlighted the importance of data protection.
Responding to the industry views, NN Prasad, joint secretary Industrial Policy and Promotion said that the government is in the process of modernising the patent evaluation system. According to Prasad, the patent law, in its current form is capable of addressing all the concerns of the industry.
D G Shah, secretary general, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, said that the big Indian pharma, which he represents are also in favour of a wait and watch attitude to see how the current rules work.
