SHIMLA, March 25, 2025: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organized a National IP Yatra Programme, a two day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) at Hotel Holiday Home, Shimla. The event was organized with the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner MSME, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India.
Intellectual Property Rights plays a crucial role in the recognition and protection of innovations in products and processes. They also contribute significantly to brand building, marketing and wealth generation. This workshop was aimed to create a robust IP ecosystem in the country and encouraged MSMEs, Start-ups and other stakeholders from the State of Himachal to register more IP applications and protect their innovations.
During the inaugural session, the keynote address was delivered by Shri Ashok Kumar Gautam, Assistant Director (Grade-I), MSME-DFO Solan, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India. his keynote address he said he emphasized the importance of IP in strengthening the economy by ensuring that innovations are legally protected. He spoke about the government’s ongoing efforts to support MSME’s and entrepreneurs in protecting their intellectual assets.
He highlighted the potential for growth in various sectors, including, Agriculture and horticulture, Hydro power, Tourism and service enterprises.
He emphasized that the MSME Ministry’s schemes can provide support for these sectors, and encourage entrepreneurs and students to take advantage of these opportunities.
Shri Ashok Parth, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Solan, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India shared the insights of the role of IP on promoting economic growth and highlighted various schemes by the Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India to encourage MSMEs for their growth and scaling up. The main objective of focusing on MSMEs is to boost the country’s GDP. Since our country is an agriculture- based economy, the agriculture sector will contribute significantly to the economy.he also shared a detailed presentation of all the important schemes of the ministry of MSmE , govt. Of India and focused on msme support for commercialization of ip (scip) program.
After the inaugural session, the workshop continued with technical sessions which was focused on topics vital for business growth such as IP registration processes, Government support Programs for MSME’s and how IP can be leveraged for wealth creation and economic development.
Dr Rajesh K. Jaryal assistant professor (zoology), Dpt.of Biosciences,H.P university , Shimla. Stressed the importance of sharing knowledge while protecting one’s innovation.He pointed out the agriculture presents vast opportunities for the MSMEs.He highlighted that India is currently the global leader .India is the country with youngest ideas and leaders also.
Experts will also discuss the MSME Support for Commercialization of IP (SCIP) Programme, which helps MSMEs commercialize their IP and provides financial support for international IP registration.
Participants will continue to benefit from the IP Helpdesk, which will be available as a dedicated support center to guide attendees through the IPR registration process and provide advice on seeking reimbursement from the Ministry of MSME.
The workshop aims to strengthen the IP awareness among the business community in Himachal Pradesh, encouraging them to use IPR as a tool for economic growth and innovation.
Mr. D P Goel, Co-Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, expressed the organization’s commitment to advancing awareness of IPR and fostering innovation among MSMEs, Start-ups and other enterprises across the country. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been a driving force for Indian industry, trade, and entrepreneurship for 120 years, providing a voice for over 150,000 enterprises. To further support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, protecting intellectual property rights is crucial.
In India, the MSME sector contributes significantly to employment generation, innovation, exports, and inclusive growth, accounting for 45% of total industrial production and 40% of total exports. The sector’s development is critical, and initiatives like the two-day national level intellectual property IP yatra program can help MSMEs and startups navigate intellectual property rights.
Mr. Narender Bharadwaj, CEO, Colours of India Tours & Travels and Mr. Vishal Chauhan, Chairman, Sanvi Education Society, were among the key contributors who shared their industry experiences and insights on leveraging IPR for business growth.
Mr. Vasant Chandra, Head-Prosecution, United and United delivered a session covering a detailed overview of IPR, types of IPRs, IP registration procedures, the importance of patent protection, and the role of Government’s support in helping MSMEs to safeguard their intellectual property.
