Innovation and competition go hand in hand, says Dr Raju Narayana Swamy

Lavasa (Maharashtra):  Anti-corruption crusader Dr Raju Narayana Swamy IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Kerala, emphasised the shared economic rationale between intellectual property (IP) and competition laws while addressing law students at Christ University, Lavasa.

Dr Swamy said both legal frameworks aim to promote innovation, technological advancement, economic development, and consumer welfare. "IPR is an intangible right protecting commercially valuable products of the human intellect – whether it be copyrights, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets,” he noted.

He contrasted this with competition law, which ensures fair market practices and prevents anti-competitive behaviour. “Effective competition laws create a supportive business environment, enhance efficiency, and ensure proper resource allocation,” Dr Swamy explained.

Highlighting the interplay between IP and competition law, he pointed out that while IPR encourages innovation, it can sometimes facilitate anti-competitive practices. “Competition law plays a key role in preventing the abuse of monopoly rights granted under IPR,” he said.

Dr Swamy referred to the FICCI Multiplex case, where collective bargaining was deemed cartelisation, and stressed that intelligent use of compulsory licensing can curb excessive pricing, including in cases involving copyrighted or patented software.