Lang Visit To Focus On Patents Issue

The US now has the right to call a panel with the 60 day consultation period having ended in September.

Lang is expected to discuss the entire range of trade issues during his visit here.

He will hold discussions with commerce secretary Tejender Khanna, industry ministry officials, officials in the Prime Minister's Office, finance secretary Montek Singh Ahluwalia, address a meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and a meeting of the American business council.

Lang will also address a meeting of a telecom working group at the embassy.

Sources said the intention of the US is to ask for a panel but the question is one of timing. It is likely that the US will wait for the winter session of the Parliament to end before asking for the constitution of a panel.

 

Sources also said Lang's visit will certainly have a bearing on the move to raise the dispute.

The US had earlier moved the dispute settlement procedure under the aegis of the WTO on India's failure to amend its patent laws in line with TRIPS obligations.

The notice on dispute settlement was served on July 2, and India was asked to furnish its reply by July 12.

This was preceded by a warning on April 30 that the Clinton administration would take action against India for failure to amend its Patents Act, 1970.