MODULE 5
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT(IPR)
Intellectual property refers to the creations of the mind, like inventions, artistic and literary
works; designs; and images, symbols and names used in commerce. Recent advancement in
science and technology, especially in biotechnology, nanotechnology and information and
communications technologies (ICTs) further leads to the development of IP protection. Developed
countries show early trends of intellectual property which has been important for the promotion of
invention in industrial development. Recognition of patent system started from the 1980s in
Petroleum, Pharmaceutical and chemical industries and recently in biotechnology and copyrights.
Intellectual Property Rights which was first recognized in 1883 as Paris Convention for the
Protection of Industrial Property and then after in 1886 of Berne Convention. Both these treaties
are currently administered under a specialized body of United Nation i.e, WIPO (World
Intellectual Property Organization). It is a global forum for Intellectual Property (IP) services,
policy, information and cooperation. WIPO works for the development of a balanced and effective
international IP system that enables innovation and creativity benefits to all. India as a member of
World Trade Organization (WTO), which set down minimum rules for different forms of
intellectual property (IP) directives as applied to the nationals of other WTO Members and became
a signatory of the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ) in the year 1995
which is an international agreement between all the member nations of the WTO. TRIPS sets down
minimum standards for the regulation of many forms of Intellectual Property by the national
governments.
Types of Intellectual Property:
1. Copyright: Copyright is a legal term that is used to describe the rights that creators have
over their creative and literary works. Works covered by copyright range from paintings,
books, music, sculptures and films, to computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps
and technical drawings. Copyrights Act, 1957 is the governing rule.
2. Patents: A patent is an exclusive legal right recognized for an invention. A patent right
provides the patent owner with the right to decide whether or how- the invention can be
used by others. In exchange for this patent right, the patent owner makes technical
information about the invention publicly available in the published patent document. It is
governed in India by the Patents Act 1970 and Patent Rules 2003.
, 3. Trademarks: A trademark is a sign or a symbol capable of differentiating the goods or
services of one venture from those of other enterprises. Trademarks had been used from
the ancient times when artisans used to put their signature or "mark" on their products. It
is governed in India through Trademarks Act 1999 and Trademarks Rules 2002.
4. Industrial designs: An industrial design comprises of the ornamental or aesthetic aspect
of an article. A design may consist of two-dimensional features, such as the shape or
surface of an article, or of three-dimensional features, such as patterns, lines or colour.
Design Act 2000 and Rules 2001 is the governing law.
5. Geographical Indication: Geographical indications means any indication of origin that is
used on goods that have a certain geographical origin and possess qualities, a reputation or
traits that are essentially traceable to that place of origin. Mostly, a geographical indication
includes the name of the place or specific identity of the origin of the goods. The
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Rules 2002 and The
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, is the governing
rule.
6. Trade secrets: Trade secrets are Intellectual Property rights on confidential information
which can be sold or licensed. The unauthorized accession, use or disclosure of such secret
information in a manner contrary to honest commercial practices by others is regarded as
an unfair practice and a violation of the trade secret protection.
7. Plant Breeders’ Rights: Plant breeders’ rights (PBRs) are granted for new and distinct
varieties of plant. When PBR is granted, the breeder gets especial rights in relation to
transmitting material of their new plant variety.
Issues of Intellectual Property Rights in India:
IPR-related issues in India like copyrights, trademarks, patents, geographical indications and
design are governed by the Patents Rules 2003 and Patent Act 1970, Trademarks Rules 2002 and
the Trademarks Act 1999, Design Act 2000 and Rules 2001, Indian Copyrights Act, 1957, and
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Rules, 2002 and The
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, respectively. Some of
these Acts/Regulations are more than decades-old and outdated. As there are a lot of loopholes
and some of them are still vague. However, there are several more issues like:
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