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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
RCB calmer than last year, players clear about their roles: Krunal Pandya
Bengaluru (PTI): The atmosphere in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp is much calmer than last year and players have a lot more understanding of their roles this season, says Krunal Pandya.
RCB won the Indian Premier League trophy for the first time in 18 years in 2025 and Pandya was the Man-of-the-Match in the final against Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad, returning 4-0-17-2 as RCB won the contest by six runs.
"I feel that this year there is a much calmer atmosphere. Last year it was a new team, and everyone got to know each other. This year many players understand their roles and each other's strengths and weaknesses," Pandya said in a release by the franchise.
"When I get into the big occasions, I feel that if God has got you here, then there is a reason behind it and sometimes I think that these big occasions are actually made for me. I feel the pressure, but I think about how I can be calm and in the present moment and do what is required," he said.
Pandya said RCB icon Virat Kohli would easily rank among the greatest players in any era of cricket.
"Virat is a classic example. You can see that hunger; you can see that passion in how he sees the game and how much he wants that victory. If Virat Kohli had been born in any (some other) generation, he would still be one of the greats. He is not competing with anyone else," he said.
