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Sessions focus on Trademark, Patents, Copyright , Commercialization and GI Tagging Entrepreneurs and startups urged to prioritize Intellectual Property Rights alongside innovation The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), inaugurated a two-day National-level IP Yatra in Shimla on Thursday to create comprehensive awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) among MSME’s, Entrepreneurs and Startups in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing the inaugural session as Chief Guest, R.D. Nazeem, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Food & Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Transport and Industries Departments), Government of Himachal Pradesh, highlighted that the innovative ideas emerging from startups have significantly contributed to the State’s industrial growth. He said that young innovators were driving effective solutions in areas such as pollution control, clean and green energy adoption, and plastic waste management. Emphasizing the importance of research and innovation, Nazeem noted that more R&D initiatives must be undertaken by youth to sustain innovation and strengthen the start-up ecosystem. “Innovation today appears to be losing momentum, and our youth must rediscover their confidence to experiment, research and create,” he remarked. He further added that awareness about Intellectual Property Rights has become crucial for emerging businesses in the digital era. “Today, trademark registration and copyright protection are as important if not more than the product itself,” he said. Nazeem also underlined the various initiatives of the Himachal Pradesh Government, including One District One Green Product (ODOGP) and Public-Private Community Partnerships (PPCP), which aim to promote local industry, protect traditional knowledge, and enhance the market reach of indigenous products. He praised PHDCCI for organizing the IP Yatra and called it a vital step in nurturing new entrepreneurs and strengthening the MSME ecosystem in the State. Welcoming the dignitaries, Anil Saunkhla, Resident Director, PHDCCI, said that the IP Yatra was not merely a programme but the beginning of a movement to empower entrepreneurs and start-ups with essential knowledge about IPR. He assured that the upcoming sessions would help address queries related to product registration, trademarks, copyrights, and other aspects of intellectual property protection. Moderating the session, Kanchan Zutshi, Director, PHDCCI, highlighted famous Himachali products such as Kullu Shawls and Kangra Tea, which are protected under Geographical Indications (GI). She encouraged local entrepreneurs to secure trademarks and GI registrations to boost global market recognition for Himachali products. Dr. H.P. Kumar, Former NSIC Chairman & MD and Advisor, PHDCCI, noted that India’s National IPR Policy (2016) introduced key reforms to strengthen the country’s IP framework. He emphasized that awareness-driven initiatives like IP Yatra are essential to ensure wider IPR adoption among MSMEs and startups. Parth Ashok, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Solan, shared details of various MSME schemes aimed at supporting industries and explained the critical role of trademarks, copyrights, and GI tagging in protecting innovation. Dr. Sukhjinder Singh, Principal Scientist, CSIR, advised startup founders to undertake thorough research before launching products and ensure they secure appropriate IPR protection for their innovations.
