World Intellectual Property Day : IP Laws Must Evolve with AI Era While Ensuring Equity: Ashok Bhan

RK News
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27 Apr 2026

New Delhi: Senior Supreme Court advocate Ashok Bhan on Saturday underlined the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights in promoting innovation and ensuring a fair and progressive society, while also calling for a balance between protection and public access.

Speaking at a Lawyers’ Forum of India event in Delhi on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day, Bhan said IP rights are a recognition of human intellect, creativity, and innovation.

“In a knowledge-driven world, ideas are valuable assets that deserve both recognition and protection under the rule of law,” he said.

Highlighting the evolution of intellectual property law, Bhan noted that it has become a cornerstone of modern jurisprudence. Legal mechanisms such as copyrights, patents, trademarks, and design protections not only reward creators but also encourage investment in research, creativity, and enterprise. Without these safeguards, he cautioned, innovation could stagnate and originality may be overshadowed by imitation.

At the same time, Bhan stressed that the IP discourse must go beyond protection to address issues of access and equity. In India, where many still face challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and technology, he said it is essential to strike a balance between proprietary rights and the larger public interest.

“The law must serve as an instrument of both protection and inclusion,” he added.

Referring to rapid technological advancements, Bhan said the rise of digital transformation and artificial intelligence is redefining the contours of intellectual property.

These developments, he observed, raise complex legal and ethical questions related to ownership, authorship, and accountability.

He emphasized the need for legal systems to remain dynamic and forward-looking to effectively respond to emerging challenges while upholding the principles of justice and fairness