Intellectual Property Framework in India and Enforcement Mechanisms

This chapter provides an overview of the intellectual property (IP) framework and ecosystem in India. India’s first IP legislation was passed in colonial India when the first patent law was introduced by Act VI of 1856. Globalization and the convergence of economies have reformed business strategies, with innovation being highlighted as an important tool for economic progress. The Indian IP ecosystem has responded well to these dynamics, with the active involvement of policymakers, industry, innovators, investors, funding agencies, and the legal fraternity and the judiciary. Increased efforts toward IP awareness and sensitization, conscious policy development, and strong IP enforcement have been recognized as key factors in promoting economic growth, global competitiveness, and development in the country.