Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Meaning, Importance, Policy, Issues

What are Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)?

➡️ IPRs = Legal rights over creations of mind like:

• Inventions

• Literary & artistic works

• Symbols, names, images in commerce

✉️ Gives exclusive rights to creators to use their creations for a limited time.

✔ Protected under Article 27 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

📖 Historical Background

➡️ First recognized in:

• Paris Convention (1883) for industrial property

• Berne Convention (1886) for literary/artistic works

• Administered by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)

🔹 Types of IPR

1. 🎶 Copyright & Related Rights

➡️ Protects works like:

• Books, music, paintings, films, computer programs

• Valid for 50+ years after creator's death

2. 🔧 Industrial Property

• Trademarks → Distinguishes products

• Geographical Indications (GI) → Product linked to location

• Patents → For inventions

• Designs & Trade Secrets → For innovation & creativity

❓ Why IPR is Important?

➡️ Encourages Innovation
➡️ Boosts Economic Growth & Jobs
➡️ Protects Creator's Rights
➡️ Promotes FDI & Tech Transfer
➡️ Ease of Doing Business

🇮🇳 India and IPR

🔹 India = Member of WTO & TRIPS Agreement
🔹 Member of WIPO & 10+ International Treaties like:

• Paris Convention

• Berne Convention

• Madrid Protocol

• Patent Cooperation Treaty

• Marrakesh Treaty (for visually impaired)

📚 National IPR Policy, 2016

➡️ Vision: "Creative India, Innovative India"

• One platform for all IPs

• Coordinates with DIPP (Now DPIIT)

• Implemented by CIPAM

🌟 Achievements

✔ Improved Global Innovation Index (81st to 52nd from 2015 to 2019)
✔ Cleared backlog of applications ✔ Introduced e-certificates for patents & trademarks ✔ Increased filings: 7% rise in patents, 28% in trademarks ✔ Launched IP Awareness programs ✔ Setup TISCs (Tech & Innovation Support Centres)

❌ Issues in India's IPR Regime

1. Section 3(d) of Patent Act: No evergreening of patents → Pharma industry

2. Data Exclusivity lacking: MNCs demand stronger laws

3. Weak copyright enforcement and piracy

✅ Way Forward

🎓 Introduce IPR topics in schools
🔧 Resolve IPR disputes swiftly
🚀 Strengthen Make in India & Start-Up India through IPR
📊 More awareness on IP creation and protection

📆 Conclusion

🇮🇳 India's IPR system has improved significantly:

• Faster patent processing

• More filings

• Better global ranking

🌐 A strong IPR system boosts innovation, attracts FDI, and improves economic growth.

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Source: lunotes.in | Made easy for understanding & revision