📍 Policy | Patent Law | Section 3(d) & 3(b) 📖 2-min read

In a strong statement on patent policy, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has criticized attempts by certain pharmaceutical firms to seek extended monopoly rights through minor incremental innovations, calling the practice “unethical” and detrimental to global healthcare access.

Speaking at a public event, Goyal remarked: “Just for the supernatural profits of a few companies, the world is deprived of equitable healthcare. We are urged to allow patent extensions through minor changes, but such evergreening undermines affordability and public interest.”

India’s patent law, particularly Section 3(d) of the Patents Act, 1970, restricts patents for new forms of known substances unless they show enhanced efficacy. Similarly, Section 3(b) prohibits patents that are against public health or morality.

IPVentra’s Insight:

This development reaffirms India’s position as a global advocate for accessible and affordable medicines. It also signals the need for IP strategy to be innovation-led, not loophole-driven. Companies must focus on true therapeutic advancement rather than procedural extensions.