Strengthening laws, public awareness key to boosting India's IP ranking: NRDC chief

India, which has achieved significant progress in patent protection, needs to work hard to further improve the IP (intellectual property) environment, says National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) Chairman & Managing Director Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd).

In an exclusive interview to Bizz Buzz, he said according to the US Chamber of Commerce, GIPC Index, India stands at 42nd position out of 55 economies considered for evaluation. However, he said in his opinion India has made progress in strengthening its IP environment but still has significant room for improvement, particularly in the areas of patent protection and enforcement. Streamlining of Form 27, patent prosecution highway (PPH) program with the JPO (Japan Patent Office), strong awareness-raising efforts regarding the negative impact of piracy and counterfeiting are some of the positive steps taken, he said

What is required to improve our awareness level as our ranking has remained at the same position since 2022?

As you would appreciate that it is a matter of constant striving. The innovation driven eco-system has received a tremendous boost through conducive policies in the realm of startup support, formation of Anusandhan National Research Foundation, fiscal incentives for in-house R&D of companies etc. However, the multi-pronged approach that would help improve India's ranking in the international IP index and raise awareness levels would broadly get governed through the factors that are inter alia: Strengthening and updating IP laws to align with international standards can foster innovation and protect intellectual property rights. Recently, IP amendment act 2024, came into existence which includes revised timeline for examination that aligns with PCT timeline, decreasing frequency for filing statement of working, amendment in opposition procedure. Increasing awareness about the importance of intellectual property among businesses, researchers and the general public through workshops, seminars, and educational campaigns. Enforcement measures like implementing effective enforcement mechanisms to deter IP violations, such as piracy and counterfeiting, can bolster confidence in India's IP regime. Investment in R&D can lead to the creation of more intellectual property assets and innovations, thus improving India's standing in the global IP landscape.

Simplifying and expediting the processes related to IP registration, licensing, and enforcement can attract more innovators and businesses to protect their intellectual property in India. Strengthening collaborations are required with other countries and international organizations to share best practices, exchange knowledge, and enhance capacity-building efforts in the field of intellectual property.

Which are the States leading in ranking? Among cities how are Bengaluru and Hyderabad placed?

There is no standardised methodology for evaluating individual States within our country in terms of IP. However, some Indian States have been recognized for their efforts in promoting innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, which indirectly contribute to fostering a conducive environment for intellectual property development and protection. States with vibrant technology hubs, strong research institutions, and supportive policies for innovation and entrepreneurship may be perceived as leaders in terms of IP creation and utilisation. In terms of statistics, Tamil Nadu ranked first in terms of filing patents in FY24, while Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are at second and third place respectively. Maharashtra ranks first in overall IP filing that includes trademark, patents and design. Bengaluru and Hyderabad are the major IP contributors in their respective States of Karnataka and Telangana.

Please explain how NRDC is developing, promoting and transferring technologies originating from various R&D institutions. How do you contribute to the commercialisation of know-how and inventions?

NRDC is a Section 8 CPSE under DSIR/MoST with the primary objective to promote, develop and commercialise the technologies/know-how/inventions/patents/ processes emanating from various national R&D institutions/universities. During the past seven decades of its existence and in pursuance of its corporate goals, NRDC has forged strong links with the scientific and industrial community in India and abroad and has developed a wide network of research institutions, academia and industry and made formal arrangements with them for the commercialisation of know-how developed in their laboratories. We are a technology agnostic company and have licensed the indigenous technology to more than 5000 entrepreneurs. NRDC also undertakes number of activities under its structured promotional programme for encouragement and advancement of research, promotion of inventions and innovations such as technology development validation and commercialisation, seed funding, incubation services, techno-commercial support, technical and financial assistance for IPR protection, value addition services and support for further development of technologies and much more.

What steps have been taken to remain contemporary and which shall bolster confidence of stakeholders in the functioning of NRDC?

In our journey of 70 years since 1953, it has always been our endeavour to move with time. The legacy work done in the 1960s through commercialisation of indelible ink is still relevant in today’s times. We are indeed proud to serve the world’s largest democracy through our efforts. In the present times, we have taken number of steps and have improved NRDCs footprints by way of establishing outreach centres at Pune, Guwahati and Bhubaneswar, enhanced foreign collaborations with USPTO, AARDO, EBTC, JETRO, DKPTO etc., obtained proud partner status of WIPO Green, augmented infrastructure with enhanced capacity at NRDC incubation centre in support of startup ecosystem, established MoUs with navratnas, CSIR, MHI, APEDA, Department of Atomic Energy, Indian Navy and large number of universities.

The path-breaking step of setting up the National Establishment of Technology Readiness Assessment (NETRA) facility was taken to fill the much needed gap in technology development and commercialisation. The receipt of IP recognition award 2021, national IP award-2023, ‘excellent’ grading in corporate governance, launch of tagline ‘promoting innovation transforming lives’ indicates NRDCs quest to excel. We carry the vision of providing NRDC, a global identity and be a leading technology transfer organization in the world, utilizing contemporary best practices and scaling up of operations.

Do you also export proven technologies and services to various countries? If yes can you share details?

NRDC has exported technologies, provided technical services, undertaken turnkey projects in countries in Africa and other regions of the world. To name a few, we undertook pilot research project for tomato production in Ghana, the objective which was to conduct applied research in various agro-climatic regions of Ghana to develop effective cultivation techniques for achieving higher yields and good quality tomatoes under local conditions. Another project was establishment of Centre for Demonstration and Promotion of Technologies (CDT), Cote d’ lvoire (Ivory Coast) to showcase innovative and simple technologies to entrepreneurs in manufacturing units, fostering the development of small and medium-scale industries. The project resulted in the creation of 166 MSMEs, thus utilizing natural resources and agricultural produce, reducing import dependency, and improving socio-economic conditions. Besides this, NRDC supplied a fuel briquette plant to Ondo State Nigeria which had a capacity of 1000 kgs per hour for providing an alternative to conventional fuels like coal, firewood, and lignite.

Despite copyright and IPR regulations in force, there are a growing number of violations. How do you think this can be curtailed?

The key to addressing violations is awareness and enhanced enforcement measures. I personally feel that few of the strategies as listed below can help arrest the numbers of violation and malpractices. We need to strengthen enforcement mechanisms by increasing the capacity and resources of law enforcement agencies responsible for tackling copyright and IPR violations. This includes training of personnel, establishing specialized units, and collaborating with other agencies for effective enforcement.

Need to take up public awareness campaigns to educate individuals and businesses about the importance of respecting copyrights and IPR. These campaigns can highlight the economic, social, and legal implications of piracy and infringement, fostering a culture of compliance.

We need legislative reforms: Continuously reviewing and updating intellectual property laws is required to address emerging challenges and align with international standards. This may involve introducing stricter penalties for infringement, simplifying legal procedures for rights enforcement, and enhancing provisions for digital content protection.

As part of judicial reforms, improving judicial processes and capacity to handle copyright and IPR cases effectively and expeditiously are called for. This includes establishing specialized intellectual property courts, providing training to judges and court personnel, and promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

What is required now is to strengthen customs enforcement to prevent the importation and exportation of counterfeit goods and pirated materials. This includes increasing border controls, conducting inspections, and collaborating with customs authorities in other countries to combat cross-border infringement.

What is your message to youngsters and budding startups on strengthening the innovation culture?

Innovation is the key for any business to sustain and bring in resilience through the means of adaptation in the rapidly changing technology scenario. Cultivate resilience by viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth, learning, and adaptation. Prioritize user-centric design, empathizing with the needs and desires of your target audience to create solutions that truly resonate with them. Commit to continuous learning and adaptation, staying informed about emerging trends and technologies while remaining agile in response to changing market dynamics. Through these principles, youngsters and startups can cultivate a culture of innovation that drives meaningful change, fuels sustainable growth and leaves a lasting impact on society.