Centre organises seminar to underscore robust, flexible IP regime under India–UK CETA

A seminar on “Demystifying the IPR Chapter in the India–UK CETA” was organised to discuss opportunities and concerns surrounding the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) provisions in the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), brought together policymakers, legal experts, academics, and industry representatives.

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At the event, experts emphasised that the IPR chapter balances fostering innovation with ensuring public access. They highlighted that the provisions preserve safeguards for public health and align with India’s developmental priorities, while modernising the country’s IP framework.

Voluntary licensing was reaffirmed as the preferred industry practice, with compulsory licensing and public health flexibilities under the Doha Declaration remaining intact.

Addressing concerns about patent process harmonisation, officials clarified that the measures are procedural improvements and do not compromise India’s regulatory autonomy.

Geographical Indications (GIs) were flagged as a major opportunity, with stronger protection for Indian GIs in the UK market expected to boost exports, benefit startups and MSMEs, and promote India’s cultural heritage globally.

Panelists dispelled myths about the agreement, stressing that the IPR provisions neither limit India’s policy space nor undermine domestic regulations. Instead, they reflect India’s current legal framework while signalling a robust and forward-looking IP regime to global partners and investors.

Concluding the seminar, participants noted that the IPR chapter could serve as a model for future trade negotiations, blending regulatory rigour with flexibility, promoting innovation, and strengthening India’s standing in the global trade arena.