In a significant move, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for India’s accession to three key International classification agreements administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These include, The Nice Agreement on the International Classification of Goods and Services for Registration of Trademarks, The Vienna Agreement for setting up an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Trademarks, and The Locarno Agreement for Establishing an International Classification for Industrial Designs.
Benefits of Accession to the Agreements
India joining the Nice, Vienna, and Locarno agreements will offer several benefits to the nation, particularly its Intellectual Property (IP) Office. It paves way for the harmonization of the examination process of trademark and design applications in line with global norms. This action would also allow Indian designs, figurative elements, and goods to be included in the international classification systems.
The accession is expected to foster trust among foreign investors regarding the protection of Intellectual Properties in India. Moreover, India would gain a better position to exercise rights in deciding upon the review and revision of these classifications under the agreement.
About World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
WIPO, one of the oldest specialized agencies of the United Nations, was founded in 1967 with a mission “to encourage creative activity, to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world”. The Geneva-based organization currently administers 26 international treaties. Each year, World Intellectual Property Day is commemorated on 26th April globally.
Intellectual Property (IP): An Overview
Intellectual property refers to intangible creations of human intellect, which include copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Other types of rights falling under this category are trade secrets, publicity rights, moral rights, and rights against unfair competition.
Key Facts about India’s Accession to International Agreements
| Agreement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| The Nice Agreement | Classification of goods and services for registration of trademarks. |
| The Vienna Agreement | Setting up an international classification of the figurative elements of trademarks. |
| The Locarno Agreement | Establishing an international classification for industrial designs. |
Impact on India Post-Accession
Post the accession to these agreements, India stands at an advantageous position regarding its IP policies. The inclusion of Indian elements in the global classification system will allow the country to have a standardized process for examining trademark and design applications. This move will not only enhance the confidence among foreign investors but also strengthen India’s decision-making capabilities in matters of reviewing and revising classifications under the agreement. With this move, India is expected to create a more favorable environment for creativity and innovation, fostering growth in various sectors.
