India’s Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, firmly refuted recent claims of intellectual property rights (IPR) violations during a press interaction in Bern. Speaking to international media while attending high-level trade discussions in Switzerland, Goyal dismissed allegations of trademark, patent, and copyright infringement as “myths” lacking any concrete evidence.
“Show me one instance where we have illegally copied any trademarks, patents, or copyrighted technology. Not one has been presented,” Goyal said, responding to concerns raised by foreign industry lobbies and some international commentators. He emphasized that India is committed to a transparent and rules-based intellectual property ecosystem, and accused certain vested interests of perpetuating outdated stereotypes.
Defending India’s Innovation Landscape
Goyal highlighted that India has made significant strides in strengthening its IPR regime in line with global standards. “India respects innovation and creativity. Our patent laws, copyright enforcement, and trademark regulations are fully TRIPS-compliant,” he asserted, referring to the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.
The Minister also pointed to India’s growing contributions to global innovation, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology, and green energy. He underscored India’s role in providing affordable healthcare and technology solutions to the developing world without compromising intellectual property norms.
Countering Protectionist Narratives
Goyal’s remarks come at a time when some developed nations have expressed concerns about alleged misuse of patented technologies and trademarked products by Indian manufacturers. Industry associations from Europe and North America have, in the past, accused Indian firms of reverse-engineering Western products.
In response, Goyal stated that such criticisms often ignore the spirit of open innovation and are rooted in protectionist agendas. “We will not allow unfounded allegations to undermine India’s reputation. We follow due process, encourage licensing arrangements, and promote indigenous R&D,” he added.
Emphasis on Fair Global Trade
The Minister reiterated India’s commitment to fair global trade practices and called on international partners to engage constructively. He also mentioned India’s recent initiatives to streamline patent processing, strengthen copyright adjudication, and enhance awareness among startups and MSMEs regarding intellectual property.
India’s efforts to foster a culture of innovation have been recognized by global indices. The country ranked 40th in the Global Innovation Index 2023, its highest-ever position, marking a steady climb in recent years.
Looking Ahead
As India continues to integrate into global value chains and negotiates trade agreements with partners such as the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Goyal’s strong defense of India’s IPR framework sends a clear message. It underscores New Delhi’s resolve to challenge what it sees as unfair narratives while promoting a robust and equitable innovation environment.
“Let’s move past assumptions and work towards genuine partnerships,” Goyal concluded, calling on stakeholders to recognize India not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a responsible player in global intellectual property governance.