Though the Congress had supported the Bill's introduction in the Upper House last week, it is not yet clear if the party, whose support is key in getting the legislation adopted, would help in its smooth passage or ask for referring it to a parliamentary committee.

The ruling BJP is divided on the issue, with the `swadeshi' lobby adamant on stalling the Bill and others in the party wanting it to be passed before the World Trade Organisation 's April 19, 1999 deadline to update the Act. The Left and other parties, especially the DMK, are keen on referring the Bill to either a joint or standing parliamentary committee as in 1994, when a similar Bill was blocked in the RS and referred to a joint select committee.

The Billsubsequently lapsed as the 10th Lok Sabha was dissolved and an ordinance brought to amend the Patents Act could not be translated into an Act.