New Delhi, April 28: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday announced a three-year waiver of fees for all intellectual property (IP) registrations related to sports, in a move aimed at boosting innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.
The announcement was made at the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations in New Delhi, themed “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!”. The waiver will apply across categories including trademarks, patents, copyrights, designs, traditional knowledge, and geographical indications, and will take effect immediately.
Officials said the initiative is intended to encourage innovators, students, artisans and sports stakeholders to secure IP rights, with additional facilitation support to be provided under existing government schemes.
J&K Ranji team honoured
During the event, Goyal felicitated the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team for a landmark performance in the domestic season, including a breakthrough victory over eight-time champions Karnataka cricket team.
The minister described the achievement as a “moment of pride” for Jammu and Kashmir, noting that it reflects the region’s growing sporting potential and could inspire wider youth participation.
Kashmir willow bat highlighted
Goyal also spotlighted the Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat as a symbol of India’s craftsmanship and intellectual property strength. He noted that it is among the first sports-related products in India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and called for its greater promotion in global markets.
He emphasised the need to strengthen manufacturing ecosystems in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir and Meerut, positioning them as key hubs for sports goods production.
Push for sports manufacturing and innovation
The minister called for scaling up domestic production of sports equipment—including bats, balls, hockey gear and fitness equipment—to boost indigenous manufacturing and local value chains.
He urged innovators to convert ideas into IP assets and secure timely registrations, highlighting the government’s broader vision of “innovate, patent, produce and prosper.”
Hackathon on smart wearables launched
As part of the event, Goyal launched the Viksit Bharat Digital Matrix 2026 – Design Hackathon, a six-month initiative organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in collaboration with IIT Delhi.
The hackathon will focus on smart wearable technologies, encouraging participants to develop innovative, design-driven solutions with potential for IP protection and commercialisation.
Broader policy and global outlook
Highlighting the economic potential of sports, Goyal pointed to the rising valuation of franchise-based cricket leagues and the expanding commercial ecosystem around sports.
He also referred to the recently signed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, noting its potential to open new global opportunities for Indian innovators and manufacturers.
The minister reiterated India’s ambitions in global sports, including the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics and the country’s bid to host the 2036 Games, while encouraging greater youth participation nationwide.
Advisory on responsible endorsements
Goyal cautioned sportspersons and influencers against misleading endorsements, particularly in areas such as nutrition and supplements, and called for responsible advertising practices.
The event also featured interactive sessions, including a sports IP quiz, workshops on advertising and endorsements, and discussions on the future of IP in sports, alongside exhibitions showcasing innovations in sports technology and esports.
Officials said the initiatives collectively aim to position India as a global hub for sports innovation, manufacturing and intellectual property development.
