IP index: Tougher norms, early execution key to higher ranking

Early implementation of new norms for examination of computer-related inventions and stringent penalties in copyright violation cases would help India improve its ranking on protection and enforcement of IP practices, a US Chamber of Commerce official said today.
On the International IP Index, prepared by the US Chamber of Commerce's Global Intellectual Property Centre (GIPC), India has been placed at 37 among the 38 economies.
Patrick Kilbride, ED, International Intellectual Property, GIPC, also said participation in international treaties in the IP space is also crucial for India.
He, however, said steps like fast clearance of pending patent and other applications, setting up of specialised courts on intellectual property and political messages about importance of innovation are making the IP (intellectual property) regime of India strong.

"There are a number of developments in the past one year that we looked at... There is every reason to believe that a year from now, we might have a different story to tell," Kilbride said.
"Steps like strengthening of civil and criminal penalties in the copyright space" would help India in improving its ranking, he added.

Last year, the Indian Patent Office has put in abeyance new guidelines on examination of computer-related inventions (CRIs) such as software programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, member of IPR think-tank, Pratibha M Singh said India's intellectual property (IPR) regime is very strong and the proposed policy would further strengthen it.

"In my view, India is going in the right direction. Human capital exists here in terms of intelligence," she added.
Singh is the member of government-appointed think-tank on IPR. It has submitted the draft policy to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.
The national IPR policy has been formulated with a mission to foster innovation, accelerate economic growth, employment and entrepreneurship, besides protecting public health, food security and environment, among other areas of socio-economic importance.
DIPP is expected to soon seek Cabinet approval for the policy.