Topic: issues relating to intellectual property rights.
6. What are the different types of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)? Examine the various issues in administration of IPRs in India and suggest reforms to have a thriving IPR regime in the country. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Supreme Court of India has passed a far-reaching judgment resolving the question of whether copyright infringement, which is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three years under the Copyright Act of 1957, is a cognisable offence under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the types of IPRs, issues in its administrations and steps to resolve them.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the definition of IPR and its objectives.
Body:
First, write about the different types of IPRs.
Next, write about the various issues in IPRs administration – Patent Ever greening Prevention, Subsidies & IPR Issues, The Product Patents Process, Protecting traditional knowledge, Compulsory Licensing & Drug Price Control Order etc.
Next, write about the reforms that are needed.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
