Intellectual Property Rights in Fisheries Sector

Abstract

Patenting activity in fisheries sector in India was analysed at two levels, i.e., trends in growth of patenting activity during different time periods, 1913-1947, 1947-1970, 1971-1995 and 1996-2000. Patents were also examined to study the nature of technology. This study revealed that there is a steady increase in the average number of patents/year after independence (1947-1970). It was also found that there are on an average, three patents per year after introduction of Indian Patents Act, 1970,and in post WTO era (1996-2000) six patents per year. The analysis of patents documented since 1913 to 2000 revealed a steady increase in patenting activity in the field of fish processing technology (83 patents) and aquaculture (31 patents), whereas, patenting activity in fishing technology (37 patents) has steadily declined. These results indicate an aspect of less innovation in fisheries sector as reflected by patent statistics. However, there has been a shift towards increased patenting activity in post TRIPS era particularly by domestic applicants.