Archive · 25 Jul 2025
India-UK Trade Deal: Official Clarifies Compulsory Licenses
India and the UK made a trade deal.
Some people worried it might make it harder for India to let companies make important medicines, even if they have a patent.
But an official said the deal doesn't change India's right to do this.
This right, called compulsory licenses, helps India get affordable medicines.
The deal respects India's rules and supports both access to medicines and protecting new ideas.
India-UK free trade agreement doesn't dilute India's right to issue compulsory licenses.
An official stated the agreement acknowledges global best practices but doesn't limit India's right.
GTRI suggested the agreement curtails India's ability to issue compulsory licenses.
Compulsory licenses allow production of patented products without the patent owner's consent.
The agreement reaffirms India’s policy autonomy and existing legal regime.
- Who
- India and the UK, with officials and the economic think tank GTRI.
- What
- The India-UK free trade agreement.
- When
- Signed on July 24th.
- Where
- London and New Delhi.
- Why
- To facilitate trade and cooperation.
Official Stance
Economic Think Tank's View
Compulsory Licenses
Official Stance
The agreement doesn't limit India’s ability to issue compulsory licenses.
Economic Think Tank's View
The agreement subtly curtails India's ability to issue compulsory licenses.
- Agreement Date
- July 24
- Compulsory Licenses (CLs)
- Allow production of patented products without owner consent
- Official Stance
- FTA doesn't dilute India's right to issue CLs
- GTRI Stance
- Suggests FTA curtails CL issuance
- India's Patent Law
- Balances public health with innovation incentives