India's intellectual property climate has deteriorated significantly in the past several years and the American IP-intensive industries have suffered of this, a US lawmaker has said.
"Over the past couple years, India's intellectual property climate has unfortunately deteriorated pretty significantly. And the US IP-intensive industries have suffered, including pharmaceuticals," Congressman Pat Tiberi said.
"And they've expressed significant issues with respect to the Indian market," Congressman Pat Tiberi, said during a Congressional hearing on health care law.
"Most notably, courts in India have issued compulsory license, as well as denied and revoked several patents for popular medicines held by US companies, citing an Indian that many believe diverges from India's international legal, international trade commitments," Tiberi said.
"Have the compulsory license and denial, revocation of patents on medicines been part of any of HHS (health and human services) discussions with its Indian counterparts?" he asked Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Health and Human Services Secretary.
In an answer to his question, Secretary Burwell said that his query would be answered by US Trade Representatives (USTR).
