Intellectual Property and Innovation: Changing Perspectives

Indian government has undertaken significant modifications in the Intellectual Property (IP) regime of the country. This is leading to a realignment of business strategies by firms in several sectors. Similarly, with liberalization and globalization, new opportunities for IP creation seem to be emerging for Indian firms. Unfortunately, writing on these issues has been more emotional and few are willing to look at the issues dispassionately and in a pragmatic manner. A more informed debate on what is required in the new Intellectual Property Act to facilitate active participation of Indian firms in the global technology and production networks is desirable. Given the fact that IT is a growth sector for the country, one needs to assess the utility of various TRIPS compatible policy alternatives. In this context, this paper attempts to document the emerging perspectives vis-à-vis IPRs in the Indian IT industry and explore factors that are driving the change in perspectives. This paper suggests that: Perspectives on IP are changing rapidly: Large IT firms and firms in high-end niche areas are proactively seeking IP-based growth strategies. While they typically seek IP protection in Western nations and not so much in India, this has led them to perceiv