"Litmus Test" Legal Case in India Could Spur New Investment in Innovation

U.S. Chamber Urges Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

Washington, D.C. - A dispute that has landed the government of India's new Patents Act and the pharmaceutical giant Novartis in the High Court of India is being watched closely by industry groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Novartis has appealed to India's High Court to seek patent protection for Glivec (known as Gleevec in the U.S.), a breakthrough therapy for treating Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. The Chamber is hopeful for a positive outcome which will encourage investment in cutting-edge healthcare in India.

"The Glivec case is a litmus test," said Daniel Christman, Lt. General (Retired), the Chamber's senior vice president of International Affairs. "If India chooses to protect the intellectual property of Novartis, it will help open a floodgate of investment into India's pharmaceutical industry, propelling India onto center stage as a destination for innovation, R&D, and breakthrough medicine. With a positive ruling, U.S. industry is optimistic that India, with its vast pool of talent will assume its leadership role in the pharmaceuticals industry. Everyone will benefit if India's researchers and scientists have the full backing of international business to develop new treatments and cures."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

###

07-60