Whereas, the Indian economy is large and will comprise nearly 20 percent of global GDP by 2060 according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); and

Whereas, India is an important strategic partner so it is optimal to foster a similarly positive economic relationship; and

Whereas, in recent years Indian policymakers and courts have adopted protectionist policies that will harm numerous industrial sectors; and

Whereas, India’s Preferential Market Access (PMA) rules have the potential to require that up to 80 percent of all computers and electronics sold in India by 2020 be produced in India, making India a difficult export market for information and communications and technology (ICT) products; and

Whereas, the Indian government has previously adopted anti-competitive policies including forced localization requirements affecting industries including but not limited to renewable energy and medical devices; and

Whereas, the Indian Government has imposed discriminatory taxes on foreign businesses, making them less competitive and triggering expensive litigation to resolve tax disputes; and

Whereas, past Indian policy, regulations and legal decisions have demonstrated a consistent disregard for internationally-recognized intellectual property rights (IPR); and

Whereas, this disregard for IPR is in violation of India’s obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO); and

Whereas, numerous industry sectors have been adversely affected by the challenging IP climate in India including but not limited to biopharmaceuticals, entertainment, information technology and renewable energy; and

Whereas, because of the “limited progress on IPR protection and enforcement” made by India, it remains on the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR’s) Special 301 Priority Watch List for 2013; and

Whereas, because of IP concerns that range from India’s revocation of internationally recognized patents to its position as a major producer and conduit for counterfeit goods to its unacceptably high rates of piracy, India consistently ranks last in the US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center’s International IP Index Measuring Momentum behind Brazil, China and Russia in nearly every indicator in the study; and

Whereas, India’s reputation as a market leader among emerging economies risks encouraging the adoption of similar anti-competitive practices and lax enforcement of intellectual property rights throughout the developing world; and

Whereas, far from promoting economic growth, according to an analysis by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), India’s mercantilist policies are slowing economic growth and foreign direct investment (FDI); and

Whereas, India’s new administration has an opportunity to establish a new path forward that protects intellectual property and secures the benefits of an innovative economy to the Indian people:

Therefore be it resolved, that the commonwealth/state of [INSERT STATE] urges the Indian government to implement measures that uphold internationally recognized IPR and encourage innovation, which will occasion a return to the path of developing a knowledge-based economy; and

Be it further resolved, that the commonwealth/state of [INSERT STATE] urges the Indian government to abandon its established protectionist policies and to adopt in their stead policies that adhere to free market principles; and

Be it further resolved, that the commonwealth/state of [INSERT STATE] urges the Administration and United States Trade Representative to defend free market principles and uphold global IP standards by utilizing all diplomatic and trade policy tools available to encourage the government of India to strengthen its IP protections and to respect global IP standards; and

Be it further resolved, that upon adoption, an official copy of this Resolution be prepared and presented to the President of the United States, the US Trade Representative, the US Secretary of State, the Chairman and Ranking member of the U.S. Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the US House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade.

Approved by the ALEC Board of Directors on September 29, 2013.

Updates to model policy approved by the ALEC Board of Directors on October 11, 2014.