Overview
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has recorded a sharp rise in IPR applications linked to Indian biological resources. The increase follows the enactment of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, which clarified and strengthened the approval process.
Key Developments
- Applicants under Section 7 must obtain a Certificate of Registration (CoR) before filing patents or other IPR.
- From April 2024 to March 2025, the NBA received 857 IPR applications and issued 792 CoRs.
- From April 2025 to March 2026, applications rose to 1,077, with 885 CoRs granted.
- Applications span sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agro‑chemicals, polymer technology, microbiology, biomedical engineering, textiles and food sciences.
Important Facts
The amendment introduced a registration‑based system, streamlining approval pathways and enhancing transparency. By mandating prior registration, the regime aims to align commercial exploitation with traditional knowledge safeguards and the principle of fair and equitable benefit sharing. The NBA’s faster disposal of applications signals improved regulatory efficiency.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this development is vital for GS‑3 (Environment & Biodiversity) and GS‑2 (Polity) aspirants. It illustrates how India implements its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity, balances innovation with conservation, and operationalises the “access and benefit‑sharing” (ABS) framework. Questions may probe the role of the NBA, the impact of the amendment on research & industry, or the challenges of monitoring compliance.
Way Forward
To sustain the positive trend, the government could:
- Strengthen capacity of the NBA for faster verification of applications.
- Promote awareness among researchers and SMEs about the CoR requirement.
- Integrate digital tracking of benefit‑sharing agreements to ensure transparency.
- Periodically review the amendment to address emerging biotechnological advances.
These steps would reinforce a responsible innovation ecosystem that respects biodiversity while fostering economic growth.