Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the ‘IP Yatra,’ a two-day National-Level Intellectual Property Rights conclave in Jammu today. The event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, aims to create awareness about the critical role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in fostering innovation and economic growth.
In his inaugural address, Lt Governor Sinha commended the collective efforts of the Ministry and the Chamber for spearheading initiatives to educate and empower MSMEs, innovators, and startups. He highlighted the significance of ‘IP Yatra’ as a platform that will guide these entities in effectively utilizing various instruments of IPRs, including GI tags, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, for the protection and development of their trade and businesses.
“I consider Intellectual Properties as a catalyst for the progress of J&K, and we are developing a robust Research and development and legal framework for its protection. The IP facilitation centre of the UT will provide handholding to entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and startups in filing IPRs and assist innovators in the registration process,” stated Lt Governor Sinha. Emphasizing the commitment of the J&K Administration to foster innovation, Lt Governor Sinha outlined the achievements, including 10 handloom & and handicraft products and five products of the Agriculture & Allied Sector receiving GI tags.
He underscored that this initiative would benefit the community and boost economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Governor Sinha urged stakeholders and young entrepreneurs to focus on the commercialization of intellectual property, stating, “We must nurture the growth of IPs to fully realize the potential and achieve the goal of Creative India, Innovative India.”
During the inaugural session, key initiatives of the Universities and Higher Educational Institutions of the UT to promote innovation and startup culture were shared. The event saw the presence of notable figures such as Sh Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Department; Sh Rahul Sahai, Chair PHDCCI Jammu; Sh DP Goel, Co-Chair MSME Committee, PHDCCI; Sh Gaurav Gogia, Principal Associate, United & United; along with representatives from industries, MSMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students.