Context:
World Intellectual Property Indicators 2024 report released.
World Intellectual Property Report:
- Released by – World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Key Findings of 2024 report:
- Patent – India ranks 6th globally in patent filings.
- The patent-to-GDP ratio increased from 144 in 2013 to 381 in 20231.
- Trademarks – India has 4th rank globally in trademark filings, with its IP office being the 2nd highest globally.
- Industrial Design – India ranks 10th globally, with a 36% increase in filings in 20231.
- Factors behind the rise –
- Policies like the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024, and the National IPR Policy, 2016, have simplified the patent process and reduced fees.
- Timely Clearance – India granted 103,000 patents in the financial year 2023-241.
- Strengthened IP Infrastructure – Digitization of the patent filing process and establishment of IPR facilitation centers.
- Challenges related to patents –
- Abolition of Intellectual Property Appellate Board has created a void in handling IP case appeals.
- Evergreening of Patents – Extending patent periods to maintain monopolies, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Other issues such as Compulsory licensing and lack of fixed timelines for procedural steps
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Source: WIPO
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.
2. TFA is a part of WTO’s Bali Ministerial Package of 2013.
3. TFA came into force in January 2016.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 3 is not correct. It came into force in February 2017 and not in 2016.