The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DPIP) of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry is organizing a series of seminars to take views of the industries including pharma companies, as part of finalizing the draft for third amendment in the Indian Patent Law before opening up the product patent regime in the country.

The soon to be introduced draft bill of the product patent amendments to Indian Patents Act, 1970 is expected to have severe impact on the Indian food, drug and chemical companies.

In order to collect views of the various sectors and their specific requirements, the department is organizing 20 interactive seminars in different industrial belts and cities in the country, said A.E.Ahmad, Joint Secretary, DPIP, who was here recently to head the' interactive session to synthesis expert's and stake holders' views on the proposed third amendment'. He said India is geared up for a smooth transition to the patent regime from January 2005, and the interests of the industries in the country would be protected to the maximum. Investing in research and development will help the industry to compete in the global market through innovation and knowledge infusion. Many of the Indian pharma companies have gained strength through reverse engineering on bulk drugs and formulations, and have a roadmap to their future growth.

In the first seminar conducted at Chennai this week, the representatives from the pharma sector stressed the need for a level playing field for the pharma companies once the new amendment for product patent comes into force, as there was every possibility of big MNC players edging out the Indian majors from the field. The resultant hike in prices of drugs and formulations were some of the 'critical areas that needed more clarity as many fear that the Indian pharma industry may collapse by competing with the foreign players.

According to K Scandan, Secretary to Tamilnadu Industries and Commerce Department, the Centre should go out for an all out effort to satisfy the common man that the country is all geared up to meet any eventuality and are prepared even with a documented strategy for all TRIPS related reforms that are in offing in the near future.

A.E.Ahmad, however added that the country would not compromise on the availability of cheap and affordable drugs and formulations, especially meant for the poor while aligning with the global Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) discussed at the WTO negotiations. A full fledged and equipped Intellectual Property management centre acting as the nodal centre would be in place by 2004 to handle patent issues, he informed.