Shillong, August 7: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, the State Council of Science Technology and Environment (SCSTE), Government of Meghalaya, and National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, successfully organized an Awareness Program on
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The program aimed to educate and empower various sectors on the importance and benefits of IPR.
The sessions commenced with an inauguration by Gunanka S. B., IFS, Joint Secretary, Planning, Investment Promotion of Sustainable Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, and Member Secretary, SCSTE, Meghalaya. Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director – NER, Indian Chamber of Commerce, highlighted in his welcome address that the Indian Chamber of Commerce has established the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre for the North Eastern Region in Guwahati. This center has been instrumental in assisting MSME units to secure their IPR rights and obtain reimbursements under the guidelines of the Ministry of MSME, Government of Meghalaya. Mr. Sobhapandit also urged all stakeholders to take advantage of such forums, as conferences and workshops on IPR provide invaluable information for entrepreneurs in Meghalaya.
The technical session featured several distinguished speakers who addressed various aspects of IPR. Pradipta Kumar Bagchi, Designated IP Attorney at the ICC-Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre, Guwahati, provided a comprehensive overview of IPR and its legal prospects. S. S. Barua, Assistant Director at the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, discussed the guidelines on IPR, including Geographical Indications (GI), trademarks, patents, and industrial designs. Kundan Kumar, Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs at the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, emphasized the importance of innovation and the protection of IP rights. Dr. Pankaj Kumar addressed the challenges and solutions for MSMEs concerning IPR and the government support and incentives available.
Paresh R. Chinchole, Founding Partner at Projulex Global LLP, Attorneys at Law, spoke on leveraging geographical indications for economic gain. Harshada Wadkar, Senior Manager – BD”’s Tech Transfer (Emerging Tech) at IKP Knowledge Park, covered the fundamentals of technology transfer. The workshop saw participation from various sectors across Meghalaya, including food processing, retail, manufacturing units, research scholars, and several government departments. This diverse representation highlights the widespread interest and relevance of IPR in promoting innovation and protecting intellectual property across different industries.
The ICC, along with its partners, remains committed to supporting and educating stakeholders on the vital role of IPR in fostering economic growth and innovation.