Archive · 28 Jul 2025
India-UK Trade Pact: No Patent Extensions or Data Exclusivity
India and the UK made a trade deal where drug companies won't get extra chances to keep their patents longer or hide their research results.
This helps India's generic drug makers.
The UK wanted these special rules, but India said no.
This deal means Indian companies can make cheaper versions of medicines when the patents run out, and it keeps existing patent rules the same.
India-UK FTA excludes patent term extensions and data exclusivity.
This protects the interests of India's generic drug industry.
The UK sought 'data exclusivity' which India rejected.
Data exclusivity gives innovators exclusive rights to data from clinical trials.
The agreement was signed on July 24 and may take a year to be implemented.
- Who
- India and the United Kingdom.
- What
- India-UK FTA excludes patent term extensions and data exclusivity.
- When
- Signed on July 24, may be implemented in about a year.
- Where
- India and the United Kingdom.
- Why
- To protect India's generic drug industry.
Indian Generic Drug Industry
UK Pharmaceutical Companies
Data Exclusivity
Indian Generic Drug Industry
Supports the exclusion of data exclusivity to facilitate the manufacture and sale of generic drugs.
UK Pharmaceutical Companies
The UK sought data exclusivity, which would prevent the immediate launch of generic drugs after patent expiry, favoring innovator companies.
- Agreement Type
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
- Key Provisions
- No patent term extensions or data exclusivity
- Impact
- Protects Indian generic drug industry
- Data Exclusivity
- Not included, despite UK's request
- Patent Law
- Section 3(d) of Indian Patent Act is protected
Sources
India–UK Trade Deal Sets the Stage for a New Global Alignment
PM Modi’s UK and Maldives Visit: A historic leap for India’s global trade and strategic influence
Private sector needs to step up with govt having done most of heavy lifting: ASSOCHAM Chief Sanjay Nayar
India-UK Free Trade Agreement To Boost UPI Expansion In Britain
No data exclusivity, no patent extensions in India-UK FTA – Here’s what you should know