MSMEs seek access to patented tech through licensing of SEP on FRAND terms

The Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME), has told the Department of Industrial Promotion and Production (DIPP)  that to realize Make in India, the setting-up of uniform standards, sustainability and access to patented technology are vital for technological advancements.

“It is only possible with the licensing of Standard Essential Patents (SEP) on Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) terms”, says Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General of FISME.

“Many Indian MSMEs are suppliers of products and services to the corporations who manufacture the end products (in compliance with a Standard). The guidelines should be strict enough ensure that there is no abuse of dominance by the SEP holders as this would overburden the corporations manufacturing the standard-compliant products and as a result may stifle MSMEs”,  FISME official added.