Industry seeks clarity on Patents Bill

The government’s representative, Ashok Jha, secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy (DIPP) summed up from the start: ‘‘The third amendment to the Patent Bill is not fully cooked yet, but we are confident of being ready next year,’’ he said.

The Crop Biotechnology Association (CBA) said the patent regime must promote new technologies. ‘‘We desperately need to establish an IPR for investments,’’ said CBA executive director, RK Singh.

A major challenge for the three sectors is the exclusion of plants, animals and microbiological processes from patentability in Indian law. ‘‘Only prior case law can settle such disputes,’’ said Singh.

But the unprepared patent amendments are worrying domestic industry the most. Says Gajanan Wakanker, ED, Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (idma), ‘‘The group of ministers should also prevent parallel imports and install strong compulsory licencing.’’

Drug prices will zoom after the patent regime is fully internationalised, warned IDMA.