A stringent patent rule is latest hurdle for India-UK free trade agreement

The draft has also proposed to prohibit pre-grant oppositions, which means that India will not be able to stop challenges to weak/invalid patents until after they have been granted

Negotiations for a trade deal between India and the UK have run into fresh controversy, after the proposals under a leaked chapter of the deal on intellectual property (IP) are believed to put access to affordable, lifesaving generic medicines from India at risk.

According to the draft IP chapter put out by an international trade portal bilaterals.org, the UK is seeking continuous extension of patent period and rights through small tweaks in the drug, known as evergreening.

This may prevent patents from expiring, impacting cheaper drug availability and its production by Indian generic drug manufacturers.

The draft has also proposed