Foreign collaboration approval under the automatic route requires proof of non interference with existing technology or trademark partners.
New proposals for foreign investment and technical collaboration are allowed under the automatic route subject to sectoral policy, but prior government approval is required when the foreign investor has an existing joint venture or technology transfer/trademark agreement in the same field; the foreign investor and Indian partner must furnish justification and proof, while specified exceptions waive prior approval and joint venture agreements may include conflict of interest clauses.