QUESTION 14
GS3
12.5 marks
In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
WRITE IN
9 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Broadly distinguish copyrights, patents and trade secrets and why they matter in litigation.
DistinguishBring out the differences clearly, point by point.
Demand-wise check
- 1Copyright: protects original expression (books, software code, music, films), automatic, no registration needed; Copyright Act 1957; life of author plus 60 years≈35 words
- 2Patent: protects a new, inventive, industrially applicable invention; must be filed and examined; Patents Act 1970; 20 years; full disclosure in exchange for monopoly≈35 words
- 3Trade secret: confidential business information with commercial value (Coca-Cola formula); no registration, lasts as long as secret; India has no specific statute, uses contract and equity≈35 words
- 4Litigation angle: TRIPS obligations, evergreening disputes, data theft by employees≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Why IPR mattersTable comparing subject, law, registration, duration, disclosureIndian casesConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Long definitions without a comparison table
- Treating trade secrets as registered rights
Draw this
- Comparison table on subject matter, law, registration, term, disclosure, example
Value addition
- CaseNovartis v Union of India (2013) upheld Section 3(d), refusing a patent for Glivec's new form without enhanced efficacy.Supreme Court, 2013
- ReportLaw Commission 289th Report (2024) recommended a separate law to protect trade secrets.Law Commission, 2024
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Aniket Ranjan · AIR 48 · Page 11 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 38 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Mayank Purohit · AIR 33 · Page 9 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Aniket Ranjan · AIR 48 · Page 38 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 9 minutes, then get it checked.