India Reaffirms Strong IPR Commitment in UK Trade Talks

India has reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and progressive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime during its ongoing trade negotiations with the United Kingdom. On September 24, 2025, the Commerce Ministry announced that the IPR chapter in the proposed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reflects India’s existing legal framework while supporting innovation, accessibility, and policy independence. The announcement came during a seminar on “Understanding the IPR Chapter in India-UK CETA,” organized in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Department of Commerce, and Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL).

The seminar brought together experts, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders who discussed the key provisions and implications of the IPR chapter. It was emphasized that the agreement aims to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding access to essential resources, particularly in public health. The Ministry clarified that the chapter includes protections aligned with the Doha Declaration, ensuring that India retains the right to issue compulsory licenses where necessary, with voluntary licensing being the preferred approach. This framework supports India’s development goals without compromising its regulatory space.

Stronger protection for Indian Geographical Indications (GIs) in the UK is another key feature of the agreement. This is expected to enhance Indian exports and cultural branding while supporting traditional producers, startups, and MSMEs. Industry representatives welcomed the move, highlighting that it can open new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The integration and streamlining of patent processes were described as procedural reforms aimed at efficiency, with no impact on regulatory autonomy. The Ministry concluded that this IPR chapter will enhance both regulatory resilience and innovation, reinforcing India’s position in the global trade landscape as a forward-looking and balanced economy.