SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce and Industry | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce organised a seminar on “Demystifying the IPR Chapter in the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)” at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The event, in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), convened policymakers, industry, and academia to clarify provisions and dispel concerns around the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) chapter of the ongoing trade talks.
Speakers underlined that the IPR framework preserves India’s regulatory autonomy, safeguards public health flexibilities such as compulsory licensing under the Doha Declaration and maintains voluntary licensing as the preferred industry practice. Stronger Geographical Indication (GI) protections in the UK market were highlighted as a key opportunity for startups, MSMEs, and traditional producers to enhance exports and cultural branding. Experts clarified that harmonisation of patent processes relates to procedural streamlining, not dilution of India’s policy space.
This seminar positions the IPR chapter as a template for future trade agreements-balancing innovation incentives with developmental safeguards. For India, ensuring stronger GI protection and preserving access to medicines while reassuring investors of a forward-looking IP regime is critical to both trade competitiveness and public welfare.
What are Geographical Indications (GIs)?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a type of intellectual property tag that identifies goods as originating from a specific location, where a unique quality, reputation, or characteristic is essentially linked to that origin. Examples in India include Darjeeling Tea, Kashmiri Saffron, and Banarasi Sarees. GI protection helps traditional producers safeguard authenticity, prevent misuse, and gain premium value in domestic and international markets.
What is an IPR Framework?
An Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) framework refers to the laws, rules, and policies that regulate ownership and use of intangible creations, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and geographical indications. A balanced IPR framework encourages innovation and investment while ensuring public access and welfare safeguards. In India, the IPR framework is shaped by the Patents Act, Copyright Act, Trade Marks Act, and GI Act, alongside global agreements like TRIPS (Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) under the WTO (World Trade Organization).
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India leverage stronger GI protections and a balanced IPR framework in CETA to expand export opportunities while safeguarding domestic developmental priorities?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2170457