'We have often heard the mythical argument that patents block access to life-saving drugs, but only 5% of medicines from multinational companies are under patent protection in India.' 'Where these patented products are beyond the reach of Indian patients, the companies have programmes to facilitate access to their drugs, for free or for a fraction of the price,' points out Ranjana Smetacek, former director general, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India.
India had been engaged in a contentious battle with the US over the issue, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.
Dispute over IPR was a bone of contention in bilateral ties till a couple of months ago.
