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Cabinet defers decision on Patents Act amendment

The Union Cabinet today deferred its decision on the issue of bringing about comprehensive amendments to the Patents Act till November 23 as it sought more information from the departments concerned.

The Cabinet, which met this morning for nearly an hour, discussed the proposed amendments to the Patents Act. The amended Act is likely to be introduced in the coming session of Parliament, expected to begin on November 30.

Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ram Jethmalani said the amendments were necessary as India is a signatory to the World Trade Organisation. As per the laws of the WTO, a member-country has to make its Patents Act on the principles laid down by the WTO.

According to informed sources, the Cabinet could not complete its discussion today as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was due to address a series of election meetings in the capital.

UNI

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