The Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) kicked off its first IP‑centric webinar with a packed house of pharmaceutical leaders, regulators, and IP professionals. After a warm welcome by Shri Dara B. Patel (Secretary‑General, IDMA) and opening remarks from Shri Bharat Shah (National President, IDMA), the session moved straight into high‑value insights:
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Keynote – Dr Gopakumar G. Nair traced India’s patent journey, shared real‑world obstacles in drug protection, and mapped the way forward for stronger, innovation‑friendly policy.
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Trademark Deep‑Dive – Krrishan Singhania and Srishti Singhania highlighted why pharma trademarks are more than brand badges:
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Preventing look‑alike / sound‑alike (LASA) medication errors
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Securing market exclusivity long after patents expire
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Combatting counterfeits with Customs recordal, QR codes & holograms
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Case in point: Johnson & Johnson v Preetam Das Arora – ₹3.34 crore damages awarded for spurious drugs
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Panel Discussion – Experts unpacked biosimilar patents, e‑pharma monitoring, and sequencing patents, then fielded an energetic Q&A.
Five Takeaways for Pharma Teams
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Trademark vigilance saves lives – LASA risks demand rigorous name‑clearance and packaging audits.
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Early market entry ≠ automatic rights – continuous watch services are essential.
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Counterfeit defence toolbox – Customs recordal, civil suits, tech markers, and awareness drives.
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Biosimilars need dual shields – patent layering plus distinctive branding.
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Digital pharmacies amplify risk – monitor online marketplaces as closely as offline shelves.
8 July 2025 | Hybrid (Mumbai + Zoom)





