EXCLUSIVE! Industry calls for strict IPR regime in India

Neelam Mathews

Aug 19, 2011

True Transfer of Technology will not take place in India unless the country adopts a code of practices to be followed by the industry, numerous OEMs told Aerospace Diary.

Over $13.1billion (including the MMRCA) worth of technology transfers are expected to be implemented in an aggressive time frame of eight years.

“We need to have an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) directive and a code of best  practices that are followed  by the industry as there are no standards of IPR presently being followed. The government needs to take a lead on this by adopting it through a policy,” says an OEM.

Unfortunately, the government continues to skirt the issue. Recently, a senior official openly admitted at a seminar that the subject was not yet easily understood nor being addressed seriously.

Lessons could be learnt from the U.S wireless telecommunications research and development company, Qualcomm that transferred significant IPR to Quad Electronics for manufacturing in India. “This has happened because strong IPR was demonstratively proven  to ensure technology would not be stolen when transferred. “We need to build an eco system,” says an analyst.

GVIC too, is looking at mechanisms that can attract hi-end technology. It has already approached the government to create regulations.

In wake of such experiences, it is time to implement best practices on IPR protection, enforcement and policing of the technologies to be transferred to Indian partners systematically. Lack of standards on technology transfers/IPR Capability and Maturity and credible research inhibit search for a credible minimum alternative. Recent problems faced by FTA between EU and India hinge on disagreements of IPR non-compliance. While EU seeks greater control and protection of the IPRs, the GOI’s position is obstinately non-cooperative.

One of the models drawing interest on technology deployment, regulatory and protection is the  Integrated Innovation Knowledge Management and Intellectual Capital (I2KIC) Framework., detailed in Dr Ajay Batra’s book, “Breeding Innovation and Intellectual Capital.”

The primary aim of the I2KIC framework is to implement best practices in IPR and technology transfer life cycle management. This includes a process-based calibrated model with three levels of increasing capability and maturity on IPR and technology transfers over its complete life cycle viz on Technology/IPR creation and acquisition, exploitation/licencing and IPR/technology enforcement, protection and policing. It lists over 100 processes based on best practices from U.S, EU and Asian corporations.

Batra’s I2KIC Framework offers a systematic process oriented approach to create a Win-Win situation for Vendors and buyers alike and should be considered by the government when working out its regulations on IPR. The model produces Certified Technology Transfer and IPR auditors, trainers and users to ensure objectives defined by best practices prevalent in US and EU. The model is structured on the amalgamation of CMMI, ISO and Six Sigma.