Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

   • Briefly introduce the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in the context of life materials and innovation.
   • Mention India’s position as the second-largest patent filer globally.

2. Present World Scenario of IPRs on Life Materials

   • Discuss the current landscape of IPRs concerning life materials, focusing on:
     • Biotechnological Innovations: Highlight the importance of patents in protecting innovations like CRISPR-Cas9 technology .
     • Intellectual Property Disputes: Mention notable disputes, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene patents, and their implications .
     • Global Compliance with TRIPS: Explain how the TRIPS agreement influences patenting practices and public health .
     • Protection of Indigenous Knowledge: Discuss initiatives like the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) that safeguard traditional knowledge .
     • Variability in Patent Laws: Address how differing patent laws across regions affect commercialization .

3. Reasons for Low Commercialization of Patents in India

   • Identify and elaborate on the key reasons for the low commercialization rates:
     • Inadequate R&D Infrastructure: Discuss the lack of advanced facilities for developing market-ready products.
     • Financial Barriers: Explain the high costs associated with patenting and commercialization that hinder startups .
     • Regulatory Delays: Highlight the impact of lengthy regulatory processes on market entry.
     • Weak Industry-Academia Links: Discuss the insufficient collaboration between academic institutions and industries.
     • Challenges in IP Enforcement: Mention the issues related to weak enforcement of IPRs.

4. Conclusion

   • Summarize the key points discussed.
   • Suggest potential solutions to improve commercialization, such as enhancing funding, streamlining regulations, and fostering industry-academia partnerships.

Relevant Facts for the Answer

• Biotechnological Innovation: CRISPR-Cas9 technology patents have transformed gene editing, allowing control over gene therapy and agricultural applications .
• Intellectual Property Disputes: The legal conflict over BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene patents illustrates the ethical challenges of patenting human genes.
• Global Compliance with TRIPS: India’s compulsory license for the cancer drug Nexavar enabled generic production, ensuring affordability while complying with TRIPS.
• Protection of Indigenous Knowledge: The TKDL has successfully blocked unauthorized patents on traditional resources like turmeric and neem.
• Inadequate R&D Infrastructure: Indian research facilities often lack the necessary technology to develop market-ready products.
• Financial Barriers: Many Indian startups cite access to capital as a primary barrier to commercialization.
• Regulatory Delays: Lengthy approval processes significantly hinder the commercialization of biotech products.
• Weak Industry-Academia Links: Less than 10% of patents filed by institutions like IITs and CSIR are commercialized due to poor industry partnerships.