US Places India on IPR Priority Watch List for Weak IP Protection

The United States has put India on its “Priority Watch List” for not doing enough to protect intellectual property (IP) rights, according to the 2025 Special 301 Report by the US Trade Representative (USTR). Other countries on the list include China, Russia, Argentina, Chile, Indonesia, Mexico, and Venezuela.

The report says India is one of the toughest major economies for protecting IP, which includes patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The US is worried about long delays in granting patents, unclear patent laws, and the risk of patents being canceled. It also pointed out that India, along with China and Turkiye, is a source of counterfeit goods, like fake branded products.

The USTR said it might take action against countries that don’t fix these problems. This could mean tariffs (extra taxes on imports), investigations, or disputes through the World Trade Organization (WTO). These actions are allowed under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, which targets unfair trade practices.

The report noted some progress in India, like better handling of patent applications and fewer reporting requirements.