Lord Sainsbury welcomes greater co-operation with India on Intellectual Property Rights

A Joint Statement of Intent to create and implement an Intellectual Property Rights programme between the United Kingdom (UK) and India has been signed by Science Minister, Lord Sainsbury, and the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Kamal Nath.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is one of the key areas identified by UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) as providing potential for increased trade and investment in the future.

Lord Sainsbury said

"I am very pleased that India and the UK have signed this Joint Statement of Intent relating to Intellectual Property Rights. Intellectual property is of great importance in enabling successful innovation, economic growth and partnerships in research and investment to take place.

This statement formalises the commitment in both countries to creating the conditions for mutually beneficial trade and industry relations which reflect the profound changes brought about by the global knowledge economy."

Ron Marchant Chief Executive of The Patent Office, said

"The activities identified in this Statement will enable both countries to share their experiences. It will ensure businesses are able to make best use of IPR's, that intellectual property is taught appropriately at Universities, and that our Patent Offices are effective in meeting the needs of our respective Governments, business communities, and societies.

The UK and India are well placed to develop this cooperation based on their existing partnership within the Joint Economic and Trade Committee."

Editors' notes:

• A copy of the joint statement of intent (18Kb) is available

Date of release: 28 June 2006