US and India praise IP in trade talks

Government representatives from the US and India have emphasised the role of “robust and balanced” intellectual property protection in fostering creativity and promoting innovation.

Nirmala Sitharaman, minister of commerce and industry of India, and Michael Froman, US trade representative ambassador, met in Delhi yesterday, October 20, for the tenth ministerial-level meeting of the India and US Trade Policy Forum.

In a joint statement, Sitharaman and Froman welcomed the enhanced engagement of IP under the High Level Working Group on IP.

The minister and ambassador “reaffirmed their commitment to use this dialogue to continue to make concrete progress on IPR issues”.

Further, they “praised” the engagement on IP and emphasised the role of “robust and balanced IPR protection in fostering creativity, promoting innovation, and attracting investment”.

Sitharaman also reiterated India’s “resolve” to bring down delays for patent and trademark applications, for which steps including the expansion of staff and simplification of patent procedures have already been taken.

Additionally, both countries “praised the intensified co-operation” on copyright this year in order to promote the entertainment industry’s desire to protect artistic and creative content.

However, Sitharaman and Froman “voiced concern” about unauthorised recordings of films in cinemas and piracy on websites.

India also highlighted positive reforms relating to anti-camcording measures proposed in forthcoming amendments to the existing Indian Cinematograph Act.

Finally, both sides noted proactive steps initiated at the Indian state level to combat piracy.

The statement can be viewed in full here.