Exceptions & Limitations To Patent Rights In India

In this knowledge based economy the understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) is crucial to promote innovation and growth of the country. The various forms of IPRs are frequently talked about in debates and general conversations on such diverse topics as industrial policy, traditional knowledge, agriculture, biotechnology, medical devices, education, food security, entertainment and mass media. Despite of such popularity of IPRs, some people still regard it as an impediment in the growth of innovation & technology.

The omnipresence of IPRs in the areas of human development has made it critical to access the benefits and encumbrances it carries. For this purpose countries adopted exceptions to patent rights and other related rights to use IPRs as a tool for their sustainable development. However, after signing of the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which allows Member Countries to