India: they take IPR seriously there too

Earlier this week I discussed the increasingly comprehensive approach to intellectual asset protection in China ("China: they're taking IP seriously"). Today, the focus is on the other emerging economic hyperpower, India.

The joint action plan of the India-EU Strategic Partnership is published by the EU Council of Ministers today. It covers just about every aspect of economic, political and social co-operation from cultural exchange to the war on terrorism. As might be imagined, intellectual property is mentioned although it is necessary to wade through to the last page to find it.

The plan promises "appropriate dialogue to discuss IPR policy, regulatory issues, implementation and enforcement, as well as the general objectives and/or framework." To that end "a forum for a regular exchange of views and information on domestic regulatory policies and practices and enforcement issues is proposed."

Some indication as to what they mean in practice can be discerned from the one specific IPR Issue that is discussed, "geographical indications". The plan reports that both sides attach
importance to achieving effective and comprehensive protection of geographical indications. As a first step, they will exchange information on their respective geographical indication protection regimes and hold an expert meeting on the topic in 2005 with a view to strengthening their technical cooperation in the area.
That sounds like a lot of wine and whisky not to mention cheese tasting as well as the odd trip to Parma.

Not really connected but... well, why not mention them anyway
I don't want to make this sound flippant, but living and working in West Yorkshire I appreciate Indian cuisine though much of it comes from other parts of the Sub-Continent. Here are my favourite places in the UK:

Chutney Mary, London
Shere Khan, Trafford Centre, Manchester
Laxmi, Berry Brow, Huddersfield
Porte des Indes, London
Nawaab, Huddersfield

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Copyright: Primary Infirngement - Copying

Patents - Gilead Sciences Inc v NuCana Plc

Copyright in Photographs: Temple Island Collections and Creation Records