India, Britain sign IPR treaty

London, June 28 (UNI) India and Britain have signed a treaty over management and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) presenting a framework for bilateral co-operation on copyright issues.

''Intellectual property is of great importance in enabling successful innovation, economic growth and partnerships in research and investments to take place. This formalises the commitment in both countries to create conditions for mutually beneficial trade and industry relations,'' Minister for Science, Britain Lord Sainsbury said, while announcing the signing of the statement.

Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath along with annual CII delegation, and Lord Sainsbury worked on the final details of a joint statement of intent here yesterday.

The pact centres on four main areas of development -- training patent office staff in India, teaching IPR in Indian universities, law schools and business schools, raising general awareness of IPR, and enforcing patents and handling infringements.

IPR infringement was highlighted as an urgent issue during Tony Blair's visit to India with leading British businessmen last September.

The two countries increased co-operation between their respective oil and film industries, as well as increasing aviation links, but an agreement on the burgeoning and hugely valuable IPR industry, especially in the pharmaceutical and publishing sectors, was critical.

Ron Marchant, chief executive of the Patent Office said that the statement of intent is a breakthrough and it will encourage investment.

There is evidence of new investor confidence in India. GSK and Novartis are among the global players to have formed research partnerships with Indian companies, he added.

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