India stays on USTR Priority Watch List over IP concerns
India remains on the USTR's Priority Watch List in 2026 due to ongoing concerns about intellectual property protection and enforcement. Key issues include lengthy patent approval delays, weak enforcement in the pharmaceutical sector, widespread counterfeiting, and online piracy. While India has made some improvements, such as establishing IP divisions in high courts, the U.S. continues to push for stronger IP reforms.
- ▪India is listed on the USTR’s 2026 Priority Watch List alongside countries like China, Russia, and Indonesia.
- ▪The U.S. cites long patent pendency, lack of trade secret laws, and poor coordination among law enforcement as major IP enforcement challenges in India.
- ▪Specific markets like SP Road in Bengaluru and e-commerce platform IndiaMart were named in the USTR’s Notorious Markets list for IP violations.
- ▪India established additional Intellectual Property Divisions in High Courts in 2024 and notified Geographical Indication rules in 2025 as reform efforts.
- ▪The Special 301 designation is not legally binding but serves as a tool for the U.S. to initiate negotiations or potential trade actions.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
India stays on USTR Priority Watch List over IP concernsLong delays in receiving patents, IP enforcement in sectors like pharma, proliferation of counterfeit goods and online piracy remain key US concerns with India.Updated on: May 02, 2026 2:00 PM ISTBy Shashank MattooShare viaCopy link The office of the United States Trade Representative has retained India on its Priority Watch List for intellectual property, highlighting ongoing American concerns about India’s enforcement of IP laws.India’s place on USTR Priority watch list does not carry any legally binding actions. (Representational Photo/Reuters)The USTR’s 2026 Special 301 Report—which assesses the effectiveness and enforcement of IP protection —also placed Chile, China, Indonesia, Russia, and Venezuela on the priority watch list.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Hindustan Times — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Hindustan Times — Top
