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Approvals

The Reserve Bank of India ("RBI") accords automatic permission for foreign technology agreements in high priority industries up to 5% royalty for domestic sales and 8% for exports, subject to total payment of 8% of sales over 10 year period from date of agreement or 7 years from commencement of production. In addition, lump-sum technology payments up to Rs. 1 crore, i.e., (Rs. 10 million) are permitted under the automatic approval system. The prescribed royalty rates are net of taxes and are calculated according to standard procedures.
Subject to the aforesaid guidelines, automatic approval is available in non-high priority industries, if no foreign exchange is required for any payment.

Governing Laws

Transfer of technology agreements must be subject to the laws of India. These agreements can be subject to arbitration under the rules of international institutions like the International Chamber of Commerce (the "ICC"). Arbitration can take place in India or abroad. India is a party to the 1958 New York Convention on Enforcement of Arbitration Awards. Foreign awards are, therefore, enforceable in India. Under Indian law, upon termination of the transfer of technology agreement after its 7-10 year period, the technology is deemed to be perpetually licensed to the Indian party for use in India. Special rules apply to the transfer of technology to Indian government companies.