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According to the IP Helpdesk, negotiations between the British and Indian governments were given fresh impetus by the meeting of those countries' prime ministers at the G20 Summit in Bali (see UK – India Free Trade Agreement Going Forward 9 Dec 2022). That news article envisages negotiations to be completed within 5 to 6 months. The IP Helpdesk news article accords with a press release from Kemi Badenoch MP and the Department for International Trade entitled: "Trade Secretary to lead next round of trade negotiations on first visit to India" dated 12 Dec 2022.
The article states that the issues that remain to be resolved include access of Indian films to the British market and "specific rules within the patent regime" on the Indian side and Indian duties on spirits and motor vehicles on the British side. Facilitating the mobility of professionals thereby strengthening both countries’ labour markets is said to be an issue for both parties.
This last issue is echoed in the British press release:
"The talks – the first formal round since July – will target a deal to cut tariffs and open opportunities for UK services such as financial and legal, making it easier for British businesses to sell to an economy set to be the world’s third largest - with a middle class of 250 million people - by 2050."
While she is in India, the International Trade Secretary will meet envoPAP, a UK company investing over £10 million to construct a plant to produce paper and packaging products in India. The press release also mentions initiatives in India by other British-based businesses including Pret a Manger, tide and Revolut. Exports to India are expected to grow by over £9 billion by the middle of the next decade.
I shall continue to monitor the negotiations and will update readers on significant developments. particularly those relating to IP. Anyone wishing to discuss this article should call me on +44 (0)20 7404 5252 during UK office hours or send me a message through my contact page.
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