India Reaffirms Robust IP Regime in UK Trade Negotiations

New Delhi’s Vanijya Bhawan turned into a hub of crucial conversations on September 24, 2025, as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry brought together some of the sharpest minds from government, academia, law, and industry. The agenda was both timely and significant — a deep dive into the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) chapter of the proposed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), the seminar titled “Demystifying the IPR Chapter in the India–UK CETA” sought to cut through the noise, clarify apprehensions, and underline the opportunities that this agreement presents for India’s economic and innovation landscape.

Building Trust Around India’s IP Regime

At the heart of the discussions was a simple but powerful narrative: India is committed to a robust, forward-looking, and inclusive intellectual property framework that safeguards national interests while encouraging global confidence. Experts emphasized that the IPR chapter strikes a careful balance—fostering innovation without compromising access, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.

The provisions, speakers noted, preserve all flexibilities under the Doha Declaration on Public Health, meaning India retains the right to use tools like compulsory licensing when required. This assurance, especially in a post-pandemic world, underlines India’s stance that innovation and accessibility can, and must, go hand in hand.

Spotlight on Geographical Indications (GIs)

One of the standout takeaways of the seminar was the emphasis on Geographical Indications (GIs). With provisions enabling stronger protection of Indian GIs in the UK market, the agreement opens a new chapter in cultural and economic branding for India.

From Darjeeling tea to Banarasi sarees, Mysore silk to Alphonso mangoes—India’s GI-rich heritage has long been celebrated globally. Stronger protection in markets like the UK not only safeguards authenticity but also creates a direct pathway for higher exports. Industry voices at the event highlighted how this will especially benefit startups, MSMEs, and traditional producers who rely on niche, culturally rooted products to carve their identity in international markets.

Dispelling Myths, Reassuring Stakeholders

For months, conversations around the India–UK CETA’s IPR provisions have been peppered with skepticism. Would patent harmonisation erode India’s regulatory independence? Would startups and smaller players be forced into compliance burdens designed for larger corporations?

The seminar addressed these head-on. Experts clarified that patent harmonisation in the agreement is focused on procedural efficiency and does not dilute India’s regulatory autonomy. Similarly, the framework does not curtail India’s policy space but reaffirms its ability to shape IP rules aligned with national development goals.

For startups and MSMEs, this clarity comes as a relief. By modernising processes and sending a strong signal to global investors, India is effectively positioning itself as both an innovation hub and a defender of equitable access.

Signalling to Global Investors

Beyond the technicalities, the seminar underscored a larger message: India is ready to play a stronger role in global trade by aligning modern IP practices with developmental needs. The IPR chapter is not about surrendering space—it is about shaping future negotiations in a way that supports both innovation and inclusivity.

Industry experts noted that this sends a crucial signal to global investors who are increasingly looking at India not just as a market but as a partner in innovation. For startups, MSMEs, and even traditional producers, this creates an ecosystem where trust and opportunity converge.

The India–UK CETA is still under negotiation, but the seminar marked a clear step in building confidence and transparency around its provisions. The final message from the day was optimistic: the IPR chapter of this agreement could well serve as a model for future trade deals.

It represents a blend of regulatory rigour and flexibility, safeguarding access while promoting innovation, and strengthening India’s negotiating power in the global trade landscape.

For a country that prides itself on both ancient traditions and modern innovation, the chapter signals a future where intellectual property rights aren’t just about protection—they are about empowerment. And for India’s startups, MSMEs, and cultural producers, this could be a turning point in their journey to scale globally.