Why a strong IPR regime matters

There are still unmet medical needs in India. Better protection for intellectual property will help bring new solutions for treating patients suffering from critical diseases

Two years ago, the Union Cabinet approved a new intellectual property rights (IPR) policy that was to draw up the road map for intellectual property protection in India. The objective was to unveil a “Creative India, Innovative India”. The initiative envisioned an India where creativity and innovation would be incentivised by IPR for the benefit of all. It envisioned advancements across science and technology, arts and culture, traditional knowledge and modern technology. It envisioned a nation where knowledge would drive development and knowledge owned would eventually become knowledge shared.

This is a lofty and admirable vision, but where are we on