Amid an ongoing rift with the US government, India last week issued a new policy about intellectual property, but opinions are divided over whether the move will appease the pharmaceutical industry, which has been pushing the Indian government to strengthen patent protection.
In a 29-page statement, the Indian commerce and industry ministry said its overarching goal is to bolster intellectual property as a “marketable financial asset and economic tool,” and create a “holistic” system that provides economic growth while protecting the public interest.
The policy emerges as the Indian government faces sustained pressure over patent protection. Toward that end, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to create a working group with the United States to review intellectual property issues shortly after taking office two years ago.
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