What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) on life materials like genes, plants, and microorganisms have become a significant global issue. Patents in biotechnology and life sciences are increasingly being sought worldwide. India, despite being second globally in patent filings, struggles with commercializing these patents.

World Scenario of IPR on Life Materials:

• Globally, countries like the US and EU lead in commercializing patents related to life materials due to robust R&D ecosystems, technology transfer mechanisms, and effective IPR enforcement. Ethical debates on patenting life forms, biopiracy, and bioethics continue to shape global discourse.

Reasons for Less Commercialization in India:

1. Weak Industry-Academia Linkages: A significant gap exists between research institutions and industry, limiting the transfer of innovations to the market.
2. Lack of Funding: Commercialization requires significant financial investment for scaling up research, which is often unavailable to Indian researchers.
3. Complex Regulatory Environment: Stringent and time-consuming regulatory clearances for biotechnological products slow down the process of commercialization.
4. Limited Market Demand: Many patented life materials may lack immediate market demand or industry applications, reducing commercial interest.
5. Awareness and Expertise: There is a lack of awareness and expertise in patent valuation, licensing, and commercialization strategies among Indian innovators.

Conclusion:

• Despite India’s progress in filing patents, improving industry linkages, funding, and regulatory frameworks are crucial to enhancing the commercialization of life material patents.