Bharat biotech acknowledges oversight, promises to include ICMR in Covaxin patent filings
New Delhi: Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Limited, the manufacturer behind India's Covaxin, issued a statement addressing an "inadvertent mistake" in its patent filings related to the COVID-19 vaccine. The company admitted to not crediting the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a co-owner in patent applications filed in India, the United States, and Europe. This development contradicted earlier claims by the Union health ministry that intellectual property rights to Covaxin were jointly owned.
In response to a report by The Hindu, which highlighted the omission, Bharat Biotech clarified that it holds great respect for ICMR and values their ongoing support. The company assured that steps were immediately taken to rectify the oversight by preparing to include ICMR as a co-owner in fresh patent filings.
According to Bharat Biotech, challenges during the vaccine's development led to rushed filings to secure patents ahead of competitors and data publications. The company cited these circumstances as contributing factors to the initial exclusion of ICMR from the patent applications.
Despite earlier explanations suggesting a different ownership structure, Bharat Biotech emphasized that the necessary legal documents are being prepared to acknowledge ICMR's role accurately.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
