The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), State Council of Science Technology and Environment (SCSTE) and National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, organised an awareness programme on intellectual property rights (IPR) yesterday.
The event aimed to educate and empower various sectors on the importance and benefits of IPR.
The sessions commenced with an inauguration by Gunanka SB, Joint Secretary, Planning, Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development Department, and Member Secretary of SCSTE Meghalaya. Ishantor Sobhapandit, ICC North East Regional Director, in his welcome address, highlighted that the ICC has established the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre for the North Eastern region in Guwahati.
This centre has been instrumental in assisting MSME units to secure their IPRs and obtain reimbursements under the guidelines of the Ministry of MSME. 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. SS Barua, Assistant Director at the Ministry of MSME, 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, emphasised the importance of innovation and the protection of IP rights.
The workshop saw participation from various sectors across Meghalaya, including food processing, retail, manufacturing units, research scholars, and several government departments.
