Over the past several years, India has purchased a battalion of defense aircraft from the United States, to the tune of US$18 billion, including Boeing C-17 Globemaster heavy transport aircraft. Intellectual property rights have factored heavily into the deals.

India has taken an offensive stance in creating and protecting the intellectual property associated with its military technology. Espie Angelica A. de Leon examines why governments and businesses in other Asia Pacific countries should take the cue from India and start paying more attention to their defense IP.