U.S. Places India on Priority Watch List for IP Protection

• In the recently released 2024 Special 301 Report by the U.S. Trade Representatives (USTR), India finds itself on the Priority Watch List for intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement. This decision comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding India’s handling of IP security issues.
• India faces significant challenges in its patent system, with applicants encountering lengthy waiting periods and excessive reporting requirements. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the potential threat of patent revocations, lack of presumption of patent validity, and narrow patentability criteria under the Indian Patents Act, which pose burdens across various sectors.
• While China has taken steps towards IP-related legal and regulatory reform, including amendments to patent, copyright, and criminal laws, USTR notes that these efforts require effective implementation and fall short of comprehensive changes needed to improve the IP landscape.
• Apart from India, several other countries, including Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Venezuela, have been placed on the Priority Watch List. Additionally, 23 trading partners are on the Watch List, indicating ongoing concerns about IP protection and enforcement across various regions.

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Published date : 30 Apr 2024 05:07PM