Mumbai: The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) chapter of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is being positioned as a pragmatic framework that supports innovation while safeguarding public interest. At a seminar hosted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce in New Delhi, experts and industry representatives discussed the chapter’s implications for startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and traditional producers.
According to officials, the IPR provisions in the agreement aim to modernise India’s IP regime without compromising its regulatory autonomy. The framework retains key flexibilities enshrined in the Doha Declaration, including those related to compulsory licensing and public health. Voluntary licensing remains the preferred industry practice, and concerns about harmonisation of patent processes were addressed as procedural rather than substantive changes.
One of the most tangible outcomes of the agreement is the enhanced protection for Indian Geographical Indications (GIs) in the UK market. This is expected to benefit producers of region-specific goods by boosting exports and strengthening India’s cultural branding abroad. Industry voices at the seminar noted that such recognition could be transformative for grassroots producers and small enterprises, many of whom rely on GI-linked products for their livelihoods.
The seminar, organised in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), also served to clarify misconceptions surrounding the agreement. Speakers emphasised that the IPR chapter does not curtail India’s policy space but rather reinforces its ability to legislate in line with domestic priorities. The provisions reflect India’s existing legal framework and send a signal to global partners about its commitment to a balanced and forward-looking IP regime.
While the broader contours of the India–UK CETA are still under negotiation, the IPR chapter is being seen as a potential model for future trade agreements. It attempts to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring access, a dual objective that resonates with India’s developmental goals.
The discussions concluded with a consensus that the chapter offers regulatory rigour without rigidity, and flexibility without dilution. For India’s startup ecosystem, MSMEs and traditional producers, this could mean greater opportunities to scale and compete globally, backed by a legal framework that recognises their unique contributions.
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