GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Science and Technology
Department of Science and Technology

RAJYA SABRA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2226
TO BE ANSWERED ON 15/04/2010
Innovation Bill

2226. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR
Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a)        whether Government proposes to introduce an Innovation Bill to allow scientists the right to profit from discoveries made using public funding;

(b)        if so, by when this legislation is likely to come into effect;

(c)        whether the proposed Bill will allow Government to receive royalties on inventions made by Government funded scientists; and

(d)        if so, the steps proposed to be taken by Government to protect public interest in such case?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(PRlTHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) & (b): The Government has introduced 'The Protection and Utilization of' Public Funded Intellectual Property Bill, 2008' in Parliament. The Bill has been referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee.

(c)        The Bill provides for scientists to receive a part of royalty. The balance would go to the Government funded research institutions where the research was done.

(d)       The Bill contains adequate provisions to protect public interest with regard to protection and utilization of intellectual property originating from public funded research.