US Retains India on Priority Watch List for Intellectual Property Rights

The United States has once again placed India on its "Priority Watch List," highlighting "inconsistent progress" in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR). This move underscores the challenges faced by one of the world's most dynamic economies in aligning with global IPR standards.

Concerns Over Patent Regime and Enforcement

The US Trade Representative's latest Special 301 Report raises significant concerns about India's patent regime, including issues like patent revocations, discretionary invocation of patentability criteria, and procedural delays. Despite some advancements, such as the establishment of special IPR benches in high courts, stakeholders remain worried about the vagueness in the interpretation of the Indian Patents Act.

High Customs Duties and Counterfeit Medicines

Another area of contention is the high customs duties on IP-intensive products, a point of frustration for US President Donald Trump. The report also flags India as a top source of counterfeit medicines, pointing to "inadequate enforcement" measures.

Copyright Piracy and Trade Secrets

Copyright holders report high levels of piracy, especially online, and India's compliance with WIPO treaties is questioned. Additionally, the lack of a robust legal framework for protecting trade secrets is a growing concern among US and Indian companies.

Looking Ahead

As India navigates these challenges, the international community watches closely. The need for comprehensive reforms in India's IPR regime has never been more apparent.