Register IP applications to safeguard innovations, urge stakeholders

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organised the ‘National IP Yatra Programme’, a two-day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) aimed at creating a strong IP ecosystem in the country. The event encouraged MSMEs, start-ups and other stakeholders from Himachal Pradesh to register more IP applications and protect their innovations.

The workshop was supported by the Office of the Development Commissioner MSME, Ministry of MSME, Government of India. In his keynote address, Ashok Kumar Gautam, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Solan, Union Ministry of MSME, emphasised the importance of IP in strengthening the economy by ensuring that innovations are legally protected.

He discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to support MSMEs and entrepreneurs in safeguarding their intellectual assets and highlighted the potential for growth in various sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, hydro power, tourism and service enterprises. He further emphasised that the schemes under the MSME Ministry could provide valuable support for these sectors, urging entrepreneurs and students to take advantage of these opportunities.

DP Goel, Co-Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to raising awareness about IPR and fostering innovation among MSMEs, start-ups and other enterprises across the country. The PHDCCI, which has been a driving force for Indian industry, trade and entrepreneurship for 120 years, represents over 150,000 enterprises. Goel emphasised the critical importance of protecting intellectual property rights to support the growth of MSMEs and start-ups.

“In India, the MSME sector contributes significantly to employment generation, innovation, exports, and inclusive growth, accounting for 45% of total industrial production and 40% of total exports. The sector’s development is essential, and initiatives like the National IP Yatra Programme play a key role in helping MSMEs and start-ups navigate intellectual property rights,” he said.