Question 57 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Economics

Question

With reference to the National Intellectual Property Rights Policy, consider the following statements:
1. It reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Both 1 and 2

Strategy: Focus on identifying associations: the National IPR Policy was aimed at compliance with international treaties, specifically referencing TRIPS and the Doha agenda. Furthermore, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (now DPIIT) was officially designated as the nodal agency for IPR regulation. Recognizing these key linkages helps confirm both statements as correct.

Key Info: The National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2016, provides a comprehensive vision for guiding future development of IPRs in India.

- The Policy explicitly reaffirms India's adherence to the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) under the WTO framework, along with upholding commitments made in the Doha Development Agenda regarding public health and access to medicines.
- The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was notified as the nodal department to coordinate, guide, and oversee IPR-related activities in India. DIPP (now Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, DPIIT) oversees administration for patents, trademarks, and design rights.
- The Policy outlines seven objectives, focusing on awareness, generation, legal and legislative framework enhancement, administration modernization, commercialization, enforcement and adjudication strengthening, and human capital development in the IPR ecosystem.
- The Doha Declaration (2001) under the Doha Development Agenda clarified that TRIPS should not prevent members from protecting public health and ensuring access to medicines.
- Major IPRs legislations in India include:
  - Patents Act, 1970 (as amended)
  - Copyright Act, 1957
  - Trade Marks Act, 1999
  - Designs Act, 2000
  - Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
  - Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, 2000
- India balances strong IP protection with concerns for public health and technology access, in line with its international obligations.

Answer

Option A: 1 only

Answer

Option B: 2 only

Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2