Competition Law Regime And Patent Pooling

Introduction

The world of Intellectual Property (IP) thrives on a delicate balance. Patents, the cornerstone of IP, grant investors a temporary monopoly over their creations, incentivizing innovation. However, this very exclusivity can create roadblocks, potentially hindering competition and customer choices. Here's where competition law steps in, aiming to ensure fair and healthy marketplace for technological advancement. The intersection/interplay of competition law and intellectual property rights, particularly in the context of patent pooling, present a complex and dynamic area of legal policy. These pools function as a collaborative effort, bringing together patents from various inventors under one umbrella. While seemingly beneficial by streamlining access to multiple inventions, patent pols raise concerns from competition law standpoint. Competition Act, 2002¹ aims to maintain market competition by regulating anti-competitive conduct among businesses. The