Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face the challenge of extracting the latent value of their intellectual property (IP) and using it effectively in their business strategies. Taking cognisance of the problem, the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) has identified 18 micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) clusters across the state for creating IP rights-related awareness.

It will conduct training and sensitisation programmes for industry clusters to create better understanding of various aspects of IPR and its potential. Under the programme the council will also disseminate information about MSMEs that have successfully leveraged their IPRs.

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Initially, the programme will start with three MSMEs clusters — bicycle parts manufacturers (at Ludhiana), bathroom and sanitary fittings (at Mohali) and farm equipment (at Moga). Under the IPFC programme the PSCST will conduct extensive studies to identify the specific IPR needs of an industry or cluster. The study will include industry-specific IPR issues based on inputs obtained from entrepreneurs.
 

Speaking to Business Standard, PSCST Executive Director Neelima Jerath said, “MSMEs are often the driving force behind innovations. Their innovative and creative capacity, however, is not always fully exploited, as many SMEs are not aware of the intellectual property system or the protection it can provide for their inventions, brands and designs. In order to protect their innovations from infringement, we have identified 18 clusters across the state for creating IPR-related awareness and sensitisation under the IPFC programme.”

The clusters, she added, included machine tools (Ludhiana and Batala), hosiery (Amritsar and Ludhiana), pipe fittings (Jalandhar), switchboards (Phagwara) and sports goods (Jalandhar — Basti Nau), among others.

Jerath said, “We will also sensitise members of industrial associations under the scheme.”

“Due to lack of awareness, some unique technologies, when displayed at exhibitions and fairs, come to the notice of big and foreign manufacturers. So, it is important to make manufacturers aware of their intellectual property rights,” she emphasised.

She said the department would start with three clusters — bicycle parts manufacture at Ludhiana, bathroom and sanitary fittings at Mohali and farm equipment at Moga. Extensive studies would be conducted to identify the specific IPR needs of an industry or cluster. This would include such IPR needs as patents, design, trademarks and copyrights.

In order to help MSMEs the ministry has set up the IPFC at the Patent Information Centre (PIC), PSCST, in Chandigarh, under the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP). The basic objective of the PIC is to enhance MSMEs’ awareness of their IPRs.

The cell also looks at the practical concerns and challenges faced by these enterprises. It conducts training and sensitisation programmes for industry clusters to give them a better understanding of IPR. It helps MSMEs avoid infringing the IPRs of others as well as protect their own rights.

The IPFC Cell at Chandigarh has helped many entrepreneurs by providing legal and technical assistance on filing of applications for patents, registration of designs, trademarks and copyrights, besides providing patent search facilities.

It has assisted its clients in getting four patents, four designs, three copyrights and two trademarks.

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