‘Govt committed to foster innovation with GI tags’

Jammu, Nov 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday reiterated the commitment of the J&K administration to foster innovation and promote intangible assets like Intellectual Properties and Geographical Indications for unique products of J&K.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that inaugurating the two-day national-level Intellectual Property Rights conclave 'IP Yatra' at Jammu, the LG reiterated the commitment of the J&K administration to foster innovation and promote intangible assets like Intellectual Properties and Geographical Indications for unique products of J&K.

At the inaugural session, he applauded the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) for their collective effort to create awareness about Intellectual Property Rights and its critical role in fostering innovation and economic growth.

“IP Yatra conclave will lead the way for MSMEs, innovators, and startups to effectively use the various instruments of Intellectual Property Rights like GI tags, patents, trademarks, and copyrights for the protection and development of their trade and businesses,” Sinha said.

He said 10 products of handloom and handicrafts and five products of agriculture and allied sectors had received the GI tag and it would benefit the community as well as boost the economic growth of J&K.
“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 and IP facilitation centre of J&K will
provide handholding to entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and startups in filing IPRs and assist innovators in the registration process,” the LG said.

He impressed upon all stakeholders and young entrepreneurs to pay special attention to the commercialisation of intellectual property.

“We must nurture the growth of IPs to fully realise the potential and achieve the goal of Creative India, Innovative India,” Sinha said.

He also shared the key initiatives of the universities and higher educational institutions of J&K to promote innovation and startup culture in J&K.

Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh; Chair PHDCCI Jammu, Rahul Sahai; Co-Chair MSME Committee, PHDCCI, DP Goel; and Principal Associate, United and United, Gaurav Gogia
were also present on the occasion.