After the creation of the WTO in 1995, there were speculations that India might not benefit from its participation in the international forum. WTO, at that time, was seen as an instrument of the US to further its interest. US' patent rules and regulations could ruin the Indian agriculture and pharmaceutical industry. However, contrary to the expectations, all have been good under the aegis of WTO. Today, WTO stand as India's greatest ally against US pressure on patents.

US pharmaceutical companies have been complaining that Indian patent regime is unfavourable to the US companies, like Novartis, as it does not recognise the patents on certain products. This, US consider, amounts to an infringement of the established norms on intellectual property rights (IPR), and thus producing Indian manufacturers in an advantageous position. Read More…