TAWANG, Mar 12: Aiming to raise awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), including trademarks, patents, copyrights, and Geographical Indications (GI), and to encourage MSMEs to protect and commercialize their innovations, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with the support of the Ministry of MSME, Govt of India, successfully organized a National IP Yatra in Tawang.
Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director – NER, ICC, highlighted ICC’s commitment to strengthening IP awareness, particularly through the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) in Guwahati, which assists MSMEs in filing IP rights and securing reimbursements. Emphasizing the significance of GI rights, he cited Yak from Arunachal Pradesh as a notable GI-registered product, showcasing the rich cultural and economic value of indigenous resources.
Talung Taloh, DDM, NABARD (Arunachal Pradesh), spoke on NABARD’s role in supporting GI filings, encouraging stakeholders to leverage these protections for regional economic growth.
Jai Veer, Asstt Controller of Patents and Designs, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce, Govt of India, delivered an insightful presentation on trademarks, copyrights, patents, and design rights. He highlighted bamboo products and hangers as examples of successfully patented innovations, reinforcing the importance of protecting unique products through IP laws.
Tsering Drema, Deputy Director Industries, Tawang district, encouraged local entrepreneurs and MSMEs to actively participate in the interactive sessions and leverage the event to gain valuable insights into IP protection. She emphasized the rare opportunity such an event presents for Tawang’s business community.
Dr Suneeta Betgeri, Deputy Controller of Patents and Designs, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce, Govt of India, provided a detailed presentation on trademarks, copyrights, design patents, and their implications for MSMEs.
In his address, Tawang Deputy Commissioner emphasized the strategic importance of Intellectual property rights for economic development in Northeast India. He presented examples of well-known brands that have successfully leveraged IP rights to establish their market dominance, highlighting how businesses can benefit from trademark, patent, and GI protection to enhance their brand value and prevent infringement. His address underscored the need for entrepreneurs, artisans, and MSMEs to embrace IPR as a crucial business asset.
The National IP Yatra witnessed participation from sectoral manufacturers, government officials, MSME representatives, entrepreneurs, media personnel, and industry experts, all contributing to a vibrant discussion on the role of IP in fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.
This initiative reaffirms ICC’s commitment to strengthening the Intellectual property ecosystem in Northeast India and ensuring MSMEs benefit from government incentives, legal protection, and commercialization opportunities. (DIPRO)