Patent law principles

The Indian Patent Act (Sections 3 & 4) prevents monopolies on non-patentable items like traditional knowledge, atomic energy, and mere discoveries. Landmark cases like Novartis reinforce that incremental changes must show "enhanced efficacy" to protect public interest and genuine innovation.

The Indian Patent Act, 1970, under Sections 3 and 4, excludes certain inventions from patentability to protect public interest, ethics, and natural principles. Non-patentable categories include frivolous inventions, natural discoveries, and methods against public order.