Demonstration held against Indian patent law changes

Yesterday, the Joint Action Committee held a demonstration before the Indian parliament to express opposition against the recently issued decree that makes changes to the patent law. The decree changes Indian law to extend patent coverage to pharmaceutical and other products, among other changes designed to bring Indian law into full compliance with TRIPs.

The decree must be approved by parliament to make the changes permanent, and is expected to be considered during the upcoming budget session in February. The JAC plans to hold another demonstration before Parliament on the second day of this session.