Ankita Tyagi presently leads as the Head of IP and Public Sector Projects at the European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC), also serving as its Data Protection Officer (DPO). In her role, Ankita fosters innovation, facilitates bilateral cooperation, and enhances market access in the Indian-Europe business corridor. She achieves this by identifying and collaborating with pertinent stakeholders.
With over 14 years of expertise in IP, startup ecosystems, and innovation, Ankita specializes in international trade and development. Her responsibilities encompass negotiation, patent filing, business development, and strategic planning. Furthermore, she actively advocates for public awareness, education, and policy development regarding the utilization of intellectual property in fostering science and innovation. Additionally, Ankita spearheads public projects involving government engagement.
Simultaneously, Ankita serves as the project coordinator for the Living Lab initiative at IIIT Hyderabad, aimed at developing proof of concept and scaling up projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt. of India, the Smart City Mission, and the Amsterdam Innovation Arena.
Educationally, Ankita holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences in Instrumentation, a Master’s in Bioinformatics, and a Post-graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Moreover, she has obtained advanced certifications in Data Management and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan, respectively.
During a candid conversation with The Interview World at the Bharat Intellectual Property Yatra 2023-24, Ankita Tyagi delved into the intricacies of IP across different jurisdictions. She highlighted the contrasting IP management strategies between India and Europe and emphasized the approach to IP for innovators in emerging technology sectors. Here are the key insights from her interview.
Q: With the increasing globalization of business, how do you navigate the complexities of protecting intellectual property across different jurisdictions?
A: Facing increasing globalization, effectively protecting IP across various jurisdictions demands a comprehensive approach. To begin with, it’s vital to raise awareness about the specific IP laws and regulations in each jurisdiction where protection is sought. This entails conducting thorough research and analysis to gain a deep understanding of these laws. Engaging with local experts or legal counsel well-versed in each jurisdiction’s IP landscape is essential.
Moreover, leveraging international treaties and agreements, such as the TRIPS Agreement or the Madrid Protocol, can facilitate the process of obtaining protection across multiple countries. It’s crucial to involve industry experts at all levels, not just senior management, in implementing IP management strategies. This approach enables proactive measures such as patent filings, trademark registrations, and trade secret protection, thereby safeguarding IP assets in a globalized business environment.
Q: What strategies do you employ to ensure the effective enforcement of intellectual property rights in both India and Europe, considering the differences in legal systems and enforcement mechanisms?
A: To ensure effective enforcement of IPR in both India and Europe, it’s crucial to customize enforcement strategies to fit the unique legal systems and enforcement mechanisms of each region. In India, enforcement might require a blend of civil and criminal actions, whereas in Europe, enforcement mechanisms are usually more standardized across member states within the EU framework.
In Europe, the introduction of the Unitary patent system has streamlined the patent process, reducing costs for inventors, whether individuals, companies, or research organizations. This system eliminates complex validation procedures and significantly cuts down on expensive translation requirements among participating countries. Consequently, it aims to promote research, development, and investment in innovation, thereby stimulating growth within the EU.
Following the abolition of the IPAB in India, cases previously heard there have been transferred to the country’s high courts. As a result, high courts now act as the appellate authority for orders issued by examiners and hearing officers at the Registry. Additionally, high courts have jurisdiction over revocation and cancellation actions under various laws including the TMA, the Patents Act, and the GI Act. Notably, the Delhi High Court has established a specialized Intellectual Property Division (IPD) with its own rules governing both original and appellate IP matters.
Engaging with local law enforcement agencies, customs authorities, and IP enforcement bodies is crucial for effectively combating infringement. Furthermore, leveraging alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration or mediation can expedite resolution in cross-border IP disputes. By staying abreast of legal developments and fostering collaboration with stakeholders in both regions, effective enforcement of IPR can be achieved.
Q: How do cultural differences between India and Europe influence intellectual property management strategies, such as branding and trademark protection?
A: Cultural disparities between India and Europe significantly impact strategies for managing intellectual property, especially concerning branding and trademark protection. It’s crucial to comprehend cultural subtleties and consumer preferences to craft effective branding strategies that resonate with target audiences in both regions. For instance, branding elements that work well in Europe might not necessarily yield the same results in the Indian market, and vice versa. Therefore, adapting branding strategies to align with cultural sensitivities and local tastes is essential for establishing robust brand equity across diverse markets.
Moreover, navigating cultural disparities in approaches to IP enforcement and litigation demands a nuanced understanding of societal norms and legal traditions in each region. For businesses expanding into both India and the EU, grasping the distinctions in trademark laws is imperative. While the EU emphasizes “first to file” registration, India safeguards even unregistered marks under the “First to Use” principle and laws of passing off. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for maneuvering trademark registration, laws, and enforcement mechanisms in both regions. This comprehension empowers businesses to effectively protect their intellectual property rights while venturing into these diverse and dynamic markets.
Q: Given the rapid pace of technological innovation, how do you approach intellectual property management in emerging technology sectors, considering global regulatory landscapes?
A: Rapid technological innovation demands agile and forward-thinking management of IP in emerging sectors. This requires taking proactive steps to secure rights through patent filings, copyright registrations, and other forms of protection. Understanding regulatory environments globally is crucial for compliance and risk management. Collaborating with regulatory bodies, industry associations, and legal experts offers valuable insights into evolving frameworks and IP trends.
Moreover, leveraging strategies like open innovation and strategic partnerships aids in navigating complex IP landscapes while promoting growth.
Managing data laws and IP in emerging sectors requires a thorough grasp of global regulations. Businesses must proactively address data privacy and IP concerns, keeping up with regulations such as GDPR in the EU and DPDP in India. Compliance entails implementing robust data management practices like encryption and secure storage.
In sectors like AI, blockchain, and biotechnology, safeguarding IP assets is essential for fostering innovation and staying competitive. Businesses navigate a maze of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets to protect their advancements. Collaboration with legal experts specializing in data privacy and IP law is crucial for aligning strategies with regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, cultivating a culture of compliance within the organization mitigates legal risks and ensures responsible data and IP management practices.
Q: In your opinion, what are the emerging opportunities and challenges for intellectual property management in the context of growing collaboration between Indian and European businesses?
A: The growing partnership between Indian and European businesses presents both opportunities and challenges in managing intellectual property. Increased collaboration can enhance knowledge sharing, spur innovation, and broaden market access, opening up new avenues for creating and commercializing intellectual property. However, it also introduces challenges, including differences in IP laws, cultural norms, and business practices that demand careful handling.
Robust IP strategies must be developed to navigate these differences effectively, fostering collaboration while safeguarding IP interests. Protecting intellectual property encounters hurdles such as piracy and the impacts of globalization. Emerging technologies like AI and 3D printing bring forth novel issues that require attention. Legal frameworks play a crucial role in safeguarding patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.
Finding the right balance between fostering innovation and ensuring access is paramount, with initiatives like the open-source movement playing a pivotal role. Ethical considerations, including data privacy and bioethics, further underscore the complexity of IP management. Looking ahead, an increase in litigation and AI-generated innovations necessitates evolution in digital rights management.
Effective collaboration and the adaptation of legal frameworks are imperative for nurturing innovation while upholding intellectual property rights. Engaging in dialogue with stakeholders, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and leveraging mechanisms such as joint ventures or licensing agreements can help maximize the benefits of collaboration while minimizing risks to intellectual property rights. Ultimately, fostering a collaborative and mutually beneficial environment for IP management between Indian and European businesses holds the key to unlocking new opportunities for innovation, growth, and value creation.
