Ministry of Commerce and Industry organised a seminar on “Demystifying the IPR Chapter in the India-UK CETA” in New Delhi. The seminar was organised in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL). The event brought together policymakers, domain experts, academia and industry representatives to deliberate on the opportunities and concerns related to the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) provisions of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

 

Experts at the seminar underlined that the IPR chapter strikes a careful balance between fostering innovation and ensuring access. During the event, it was also emphasised that the provisions reinforce safeguards for public health while modernising India’s IP framework. Participants reiterated that voluntary licensing continues to be the preferred industry practice, while the flexibilities relating to compulsory licensing and public health, as enshrined in the Doha Declaration, remain fully preserved.

 

 

The seminar also witnessed addressing of concerns over harmonisation of patent processes, with experts clarifying that these are procedural improvements that in no way affect India’s regulatory autonomy. The Ministry, in a statement, said that Geographical Indications (GIs) emerged as a significant area of opportunity, with provisions in the agreement enabling stronger protection of Indian GIs in the UK market, an important step to boost exports and enhance India’s cultural branding globally. The Ministry added that Industry representatives noted that this would benefit startups, MSMEs and traditional producers alike.