Statement by India at WIPO General Assembly on Agenda 28: Reports on other WIPO Committees: Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (October 1-9, 2012) Statement by India at WIPO General Assembly on Agenda 28: Reports on other WIPO Committees: Standing..
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Statement by India at WIPO General Assembly on Agenda 28: Reports on other WIPO Committees: Standing Committee on the Law of Patents
(October 1-9, 2012)

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 Mr Chairman,

 

 India attaches great importance to the work of the Standing Committee on Law of Patents. The patent system is a very critical aspect of the intellectual property framework, and one that impacts directly on national socio economic development and social welfare.  There is, however, a growing acknowledgement that the current International IP system focuses heavily on ensuring rights to IP title holders. For the IP system to thrive and encourage innovation and growth, there needs to be a commitment to improving the system, where needed. Frank discussions and assessment of present-day realities are the first steps towards this end. We therefore welcome the analytical discussions that have taken place in the 17th and 18th session of SCP. The discussion on issues such as exception and limitations to patent right, technology transfer and IP and health in the last two sessions of the committee have contributed to a more balanced and holistic understanding of many complex aspects of the international patent system. Similarly, more tangible discussions are needed in the SCP on how patents can contribute to better addressing the key challenges facing humanity today - in areas such as food and energy security to environment, disaster management, climate change and education.  We hope that in the days ahead, there will be open and constructive engagement on these important issues.

 


In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, the SCP has started an important and necessary discussion on various development related aspects of the patent system, which were hitherto not addressed.  We welcome this positive step and look forward to a meaningful translation of these discussions into concrete elements of a work program for the Committee.  While we are happy to note that the committee in its last meeting agreed that the non-exhaustive list of issues would remain open for further elaboration and discussion at its next session, more concrete action oriented work program needs to be adopted.

 


I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

 

 

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