IPR think tank may submit draft report tomorrow

The think-tank on intellectual property rights (IPRs), set up by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, is expected to submit its draft report tomorrow, Parliament was informed today.
"The IPR think-tank has tentatively decided to present its report by 20th December 2014. No date has been fixed for finalising the IPR policy," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
In October, the ministry had constituted a six-member think tank to draft the national IPR policy.
The panel was chaired by retired Justice Prabha Sridevan. As per the terms of reference, it would provide views on the possible implications of demands placed by the negotiating partners and prepare periodic reports on best practice followed in foreign countries.

The IPR policy will help modernise IP administration and offices; commercialisation of IP; collaboration between different departments including science and technology; encourage innovation and enhance domestic filing of patents.
Replying to a separate question on SEZs, the minister said that formal approvals have been granted for setting up of 10 zones for agro and food processing sector, out of which, 8 SEZs have been notified.

"The physical exports from agro and food processing SEZs as on 30th September (two quarters of 2014-15)...Have been to the tune of Rs 393.23 crore having the share of 0.17 per cent to the total physical exports from SEZs," she said.

As on December 17, formal approvals have been given to 491 special economic zones. Out of this, 352 are notified and 196 are operational.
Replying to a separate question, she said that in 2012-13 Rs 15,185.90 crore revenue forgone was availed by SEZ developers and units. In 2011-12, it was Rs 12,651.40 crore.