DIPP to suggest states to frame own IPR policy

The Commerce and Industry Ministry will suggest states to formulate their own intellectual property rights (IPR) policy with a view to promoting innovation and giving a boost to the economy, an official said today.
The ministry today convened an interactive session with industry associations on the National IPR Policy.
A Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) official said that a "good suggestion" on state IPR policy was made during the session.
"We will suggest state governments to consider this and prepare their own IPR policy kind of document," the official said. The DIPP, under the commerce and industry ministry, regulates IPR related matters, among others.

Explaining the benefit, the official said a policy documents helps incentivise IPR filing, fund R&D activities, boost state economy and promote creativity and innovation at local level.
The ministry has already sought states' help in enhancing the awareness of the new IPR policy. It has also asked them to translate the policy in regional languages.

While addressing industry associations, DIPP Secretary Ramesh Abhishek said that a nation-wide awareness campaign on IPR will be launched by the DIPP. It will be taken forward by Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) in collaboration with Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) and industry associations.

On pilot basis, the department has carried out roadshows in 18 states. The target is to carry out 3,500 roadshows by the end of 2020.
"This is really a high time as our country is now
growing. We are a USD 2 trillion economy and we are looking at USD 10 or USD 20 trillion economy in two or three decades. So we have to create an ecosystem where innovation not only becomes a way of life but also nurtured and starts from schools," Abhishek said.
He also asked industry associations to suggest ways for smooth implementation of the IPR policy.

During the meeting, industry associations said they would extend their support to the awareness campaign.
Discussions were held on the mode of dissemination of information and promotional content at various levels - schools, college and industry.
The associations that participated included CII, Ficci, PHDCCI.