MSMEs Must Leverage Intellectual Property Rights to Protect Innovation: Gautam

Steering Committee of PHDCCI IPFC Shimla reviews initiatives on patents, trademarks, copyrights and government support for entrepreneurs

The Steering Committee meeting of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC), PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Shimla was held in Shimla to review initiatives aimed at creating greater awareness among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and enabling entrepreneurs to benefit from patents, trademarks, copyrights and various government support schemes.

The meeting was chaired by Ashok Kumar Gautam, Assistant Director, MSME Development Office, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. During the meeting, the committee reviewed the activities undertaken by IPFC Shimla to guide MSMEs, startups and innovators on various aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and discussed measures to further strengthen outreach and support for entrepreneurs across Himachal Pradesh.

Anil Kumar Saunkla, Director, PHDCCI Himachal Pradesh Chapter, presented an overview of the activities undertaken by IPFC Shimla. He briefed the committee about awareness programmes and initiatives aimed at helping entrepreneurs understand the importance of protecting their innovations, products, designs, brands and creative works through appropriate IPR mechanisms.

He said that the Facilitation Centre is working to provide entrepreneurs, startups and innovators with information and guidance related to patents, trademarks, copyrights and other forms of intellectual property protection. Greater awareness about IPR, he said, can help MSMEs protect their innovations, strengthen their brands and improve their competitiveness in domestic as well as wider markets.

Addressing the meeting, Ashok Kumar Gautam emphasised the need to accelerate the activities of IPFC Shimla and expand its reach among MSMEs across the state. He said that many entrepreneurs are developing innovative products, technologies, designs and business ideas, but lack adequate awareness about Intellectual Property Rights and the mechanisms available to protect their innovations.

“MSMEs must leverage Intellectual Property Rights to protect their innovation and create greater value from their ideas, products and technologies,” Gautam said.

He stressed the importance of taking IPR awareness activities to the grassroots level so that entrepreneurs in different parts of Himachal Pradesh can access timely information and guidance. He also called for closer coordination between the MSME Development Office and IPFC Shimla to reach a larger number of entrepreneurs and facilitate their access to available support mechanisms.

Gautam further emphasised the need to make entrepreneurs aware of various government schemes and programmes through which eligible MSMEs can obtain support for intellectual property-related activities. He said that stronger coordination among institutions can help create a more supportive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.

The meeting also witnessed detailed discussions among experts on various aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. The participants discussed how MSMEs can protect their products, brands, technologies, designs, inventions and creative works, and how appropriate IPR protection can help enterprises establish a distinct identity in competitive markets.

The participants also discussed ways to facilitate access to various Central and State Government schemes and programmes for MSMEs, particularly those aimed at supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, technology adoption and business development.

Experts highlighted that Intellectual Property Rights are increasingly becoming an important tool for MSMEs to enhance their competitiveness. Patents can provide legal protection to new inventions and technologies, trademarks can safeguard the identity and brand value of products and businesses, while copyrights can protect original creative works and content.

The meeting emphasised that awareness about IPR should not remain limited to technology-based enterprises. Entrepreneurs working in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, tourism, traditional products, manufacturing, startups and other emerging sectors can also benefit significantly from intellectual property protection.

Participants stressed the need for regular awareness workshops, training programmes, outreach activities and individual guidance to help entrepreneurs understand the IPR registration process, identify their intellectual assets and determine the appropriate form of protection for their innovations and business assets.

The meeting also discussed the importance of protecting traditional knowledge, unique local products and innovations emerging from Himachal Pradesh. Participants observed that appropriate use of intellectual property mechanisms can help local enterprises build stronger brands and create greater market value for products originating from the state.

Parth Ashok, Assistant Director and Nodal Officer, Innovative Schemes, MSME, and Dr Kiran, Assistant Professor, Palampur Agriculture University, also participated in the meeting and shared their views on promoting innovation and intellectual property awareness among entrepreneurs and institutions.

The participants agreed that strengthening the IPR ecosystem can play an important role in supporting the growth of MSMEs and encouraging innovation in Himachal Pradesh. Greater institutional coordination, wider awareness and easier access to expert guidance can help entrepreneurs convert their innovations and intellectual assets into sustainable business opportunities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further strengthen the activities of IPFC Shimla, expand its outreach, improve coordination with the MSME Development Office and create greater awareness among entrepreneurs across Himachal Pradesh about the importance and benefits of Intellectual Property Rights.