PHDCCI organizes Video conference to educate MSMEs on how to encash IPR for competitive advantage

No. PR- 127 October 18, 2021 New Delhi PHDCCI organizes Video conference to educate MSMEs on how to encash IPR for competitive advantage Safeguarding Intellectual property is crucial for every business success : Sibin C, IAS, Director-Cum- Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Punjab Chandigarh: 14 October 2021 : PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with Ministry of MSME and Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab organized a video conference to educate MSMEs about the importance and benefits of IP. It was underlined that IP has acquired unprecedented importance, and issues relating to the generation, evaluation, protection, and exploitation of IP systems have become crucial for success of MSMEs. IPRs essentially protect brands, inventions, designs, creative, and literary works from being copied and commercially exploited by third parties. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest, Mr. Sibin C, IAS, Director-Cum- Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab appreciated the initiative taken by PHD Chamber to assist Industry members in protecting their Intellectual Property. He mentioned IPR is very important topic for industry as Innovation is significant criteria for Industrialists now from Economic and commercial point of view. In order to protect Innovations, knowledge about intellectual property is must. He added this is the need of the hour to create awareness about IPR among Industry members and general public at large so that they may safeguard their ideas and leverage the benefits of their Intellectual Property. He requested all General Managers of District Industries Centres to play an active role in dissemination of information about IPFC Amritsar & Chandigarh among Industry associations in their respective regions and get their IP registered through IPFC Amritsar. Welcoming the speakers and participants, Mr. RS Sachdeva, Chairman, IPFC Amritsar & Chair, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI informed that to help MSMEs and Startups in the region, PHDCCI has set up an IP Facilitation Centre at Amritsar under the aegis of Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (M/o MSME), Government of India and is providing all IP related services like Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, Designs and Geographical Indication, etc. He added that PHDCCI is organizing series of events to publicize and apprise stakeholders of the services of IPFC for Industry members and Startups. In his Introductory remarks, Dr. J K Sharma, Convener, IPFC Steering Committee & Director – Research, Industry Interface & Innovation, CT University, Ludhiana requested Department of Industries and Commerce, Punjab and GM DICs to popularize services being provided by IPFC Amritsar & Chandigarh and encourage MSMEs and Startups for filing of IP. Addressing the Session, Mr. Kundan Lal, Assistant Director, MSME Development Institute, Ludhiana, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India detailed about the various Government Schemes for IPR promotion. He informed that the Ministry of MSMEs provides a grant of Rs. 15 lacs to innovators who want to commercialize their innovations. He added that for domestic patent a financial support of Rs. 1 lac and 5 lacs for international patent is available. Similarly, for geographical indication grant of upto Rs. 2.00 lac is provided. For Trade Marks, the subsidy is Rs. 10,000/-. Financial support of Rs. 70,000/- is provided for conducting offline IPR promotion program and Rs. 3.00 lacs for organizing regional level Conference/Conclave. Mr. Kundan Lal advised that entrepreneurs can approach PHDCCI’s IPFC centres in Amritsar and Chandigarh for IPR related information and services. Dr. Shweta Sen Thalwal, Founder, Integrum IP, Mohali made a detailed presentation on encashing IPR for competitive advantage. She briefly explained types of Intellectual rights-Patents, Copyrights, Industrial Design, Trademarks. She mentioned Invention can be protected through Patents and filing of Patent application gives edge over competitors. After a patent is granted, inventor can commercialize his/her invention for monetary benefits. She further informed the participants that even one product or brand can create different types of IP. Thanking the Eminent speakers and participants, Mr. Vishav Bandhu, Deputy Director, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab mentioned that very useful information was shared during today’s program that will greatly benefit Industry and encourage them to use IPR tools for their benefit. He promised to render his support in facilitating IP registrations. GM DICs from different districts of Punjab and Industry members attended and benefitted from the programme. PHDCCI’s webinar was supported by Annual Sponsors such as DLF India; Multani Pharmaceuticals; UFLEX; JK Tyre & Industries; Marble City; Paramount Cables; SMC Investments and Advisors; Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic; Comtech Interio; DCM Shriram Industries; Radico Khaitan; R.E. Rogers India; Ajit Industries; EaseMyTrip; Synergy Environics; Continental Carriers; Timberworkz; Jindal Stainless; Modern Automobiles; P S Bedi & Co; IFFCO and Hindware. – End Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry