Jammu, Aug 4 – The first Steering Committee Meeting of the Intellectual Property Rights Facilitation Cell (IPFC) was organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of MSMEs. The meeting aimed to educate MSMEs on leveraging intellectual property rights (IPR) for competitive advantage. Highlighting the significance of safeguarding intellectual property, Chairman Rahul Sahai of the Jammu Chapter of PHDCCI stressed its importance for business success.
During his welcome address, Rahul Sahai highlighted the role of PHDCCI IPFC Jammu & Kashmir in promoting IP services among local MSMEs and Start-ups. He emphasized the significance of IP for MSMEs and Start-ups to stay competitive, underlining how IPRs enable them to thrive in business and compete against larger entities. He also underscored the untapped potential of the J & K region for Geographical Indications, including R S Pura Basmati Rice, Basoli & Kashmir Pashmina Shawls, Basoli paintings, Hand-Knotted Carpets, and Saffron. While some products have already received GI certification, many others remain eligible for this recognition. Sahai affirmed that the PHDCCI IPFC Centre is poised to play a pivotal role in this process, collaborating with stakeholders and the State Government.
During the event, various experts shared insights. G Velladurai, Joint Director of MSME-DFO in Jammu, appreciated PHDCCI’s initiative to aid industries in protecting their IP. He emphasized the crucial role of intellectual property knowledge in safeguarding innovations. Mohit Jain, Chair of MSME Committee at PHDCCI, informed about the IP Facilitation Centre set up in Jammu to provide IP-related services to MSMEs and startups.
Saheel Yaqoob Allaqband, Asst. Director at MSME-DFO Srinagar, discussed government schemes for IPR promotion, outlining financial assistance for patents, designs, and trademarks. A P Vicky Shaw, Chairman of the Kashmir Chapter of PHDCCI, suggested spreading awareness programs across J&K to encourage IP filing. Similarly, Samar Dev Singh, Co-Chairman of the Jammu Chapter, recommended frequent knowledge-sharing sessions among industry members and educational institutions.
Vasant Chandra, Head of Trademark Prosecution at United & United, elaborated on utilizing IPR for competitive advantage. He highlighted the significance of patent protection and explained various types of intellectual rights. The session stressed how patents can lead to commercialization for monetary benefits.
Kanchan Zutshi, Sr. Secretary at PHDCCI, thanked the participants for valuable insights and emphasized that industry members can approach PHDCCI’s IPFC Centre in Jammu for IPR-related information and services.
The meeting was attended by G Velladurai, Joint Director, HoO, MSME-DFO, Jammu; Saheel Yaqoob Allaqband, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO, Srinagar; Mohit Jain, Chair, MSME Committee PHDCCI; Rahul Sahai, Chairman, Jammu Chapter, PHDCCI; A P Vicky Shaw, Chairman, Kashmir Chapter, PHDCCI; Samar Dev Singh, Co-Chair, Jammu Chapter, PHDCCI; Vasant Chandra, Head – Trademark Prosecution, United & United; Sidharth Dogra, Editor, Jammu Links News; Arush Mahajan, Director, Branding Elves; Lalit Mahajan, President, Bari Brahmana Industries Association; B K Bajaj, Professor, University of Jammu; Laksh Puri, Advocate, Puri Law Associates; Harry Walia, Journalist & Media Professional; Sudhakar Modem, Assistant Professor, IIT Jammu; Muhammad AroojManaging Partner, Generis Global; Kanchan Zutshi, Sr. Secretary, PHDCCI; Iqbal Jan, Deputy Resident Director, PHDCCI; Premashis Mittra, Deputy Secretary, PHDCCI and Amarpreet Singh, Resident Officer, PHDCCI.
This event marked an important step in enhancing awareness and understanding of intellectual property rights among MSMEs and startups in the region.
