The Indian patent law, which was designed to create an area rather than to promote industry, should be revised to promote introduction of new products, said Dr Ananda Chakrabarty, professor, University of Illinois, USA.

Dr Chakrabarty was delivering a lecture on 'What India needs to compete globally in biotechnology' in a symposium organised by the American Bioindustry Alliance (ABIA) in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CII).

Talking at the symposium he said, the Indian bio-industry, which thrives with the revenue of $2 million, produces products at low cost and cheap rate. There is a need to protect innovation for the continued growth of the bio-industry. The biotechnology department should take incentives for innovation in the industry.

The broad patent law, prevalent in the United States, allows patentability of anything under the sun made by the people, plays an important role in the introduction of new products. But in India the situation is just contrast and it seems to be a major hurdle for innovation. However, now the government realised the importance of patentability and initiated to take steps in this regard, Dr Ananda further added.

He has also emphasised the role of academy scientists and industry people in the growth of the industry in India. The national biotechnology policy, which opposes patentability of the traditional knowledge also posses to be a hurdle for innovation, he added.

Delivering a talk on 'Vision for bio-pharma industry' Rajiv Datar, biotech consultant, stated that there is a need create an environment for the growth of bio industry in India.

Jennifer Kispert, senior corporate counsel, Pfizer Inc, New York was also present at the occasion and the panel discussion, which was part of the symposium focused on 'Sustaining biotech growth: India's stake in the global biodiversity debate.