Published on 23 Feb 2025
India has demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving intellectual property rights (IPRs) through a comprehensive legal and policy framework, anchored by the National IPR Policy, 2016, that balances the protection of creators and innovators with public interest within both domestic and international contexts.
International Memberships and Treaties: India is a member of the Several global body responsible for promoting the protection of intellectual property rights.
Example: World Trade Organization (WTO) committed to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement).
WIPO-administered international treaties: India is also a signatory to several important WIPO-administered international treaties and conventions related to IPRs, including:
Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for Patent Procedure
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
Madrid Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks
Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works by Visually Impaired Persons and Persons with Print Disabilities
KAPILA - Kalam Program for IP Literacy and Awareness: Launched in 2020, to honour Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the KAPILA program raises awareness among higher education students and faculty about IP filing and related laws.
Legal Provisions for IPRs in India
The Patents Act, 1970: Administered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), this act governs patents in India, with a significant amendment in 2005.
Designs Act, 2000: Protects the design of products, supporting innovation while safeguarding the interests of manufacturers and consumers.
Trade Marks Act, 1999: Includes provisions for international trademark registration, allowing for the extension of protection to specified countries within 18 months.
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999: Enhances the protection and registration of geographical indications associated with products.
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