India Releases National Intellectual Property Rights Policy

On 12 May 2016, the Indian government approved its first ever National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy. This National Policy was drafted by an independent IPR Think Tank that consisted of six members, chaired by Justice (retired) Prabha Sridevan. A draft policy was prepared after consultation with IP experts, IP lawyers, academics, scientists, activists and user groups, which was released on 19 December 2014 for public comments. After gathering critical comments and inputs on the draft document at the national level, the policy got a final shape by the IPR Think Tank. The Union Cabinet finally approved the National Policy in May 2016.