Proper enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights is need of hour: DIG SIA
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), with the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner MSME, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, successfully concluded a two-day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) at Radisson Blu Hotel, Jammu. The workshop, titled “Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights & Consequences of IP Infringement in India”, aimed to raise awareness about patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and their legal protection. The event featured insightful discussions on the impact of IP rights on various sectors, enforcement challenges, and the need for stricter measures to safeguard intellectual property. Rajeshwar Singh, DIG State Investigation Agency (SIA), who was special invitee, said that it is very important that Intellectual Property Rights are implemented in letter and spirit and if we go into detail there are strict laws to deal with it. He shared real-world examples of IP-related crimes and enforcement challenges faced on the ground, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and swift action against infringement to protect businesses and creators.

Ashok Aima, former Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, stressed the importance of creating widespread awareness about IP Rights and their role in encouraging youth entrepreneurship. He highlighted the need for educational institutions to promote IP for commercialization rather than just academic research, encouraging students to think beyond conventional career paths and explore business opportunities.
Dr. H.P. Kumar, Former CMD, NSIC & Advisor, PHDCCI, provided a comprehensive overview of the current status of IPR in India, the benefits businesses can derive from it, and the gaps that need to be addressed to improve IP protection and enforcement.
Gaurav Gogia, Principal, United & United, explained the need for a robust IP framework through a series of live examples from different industries, emphasizing the legal and financial consequences of failing to secure intellectual property rights.
Rakesh Wazir, Chair of PHDCCI Jammu Region Chapter, extended welcome to all distinguished speakers and invitees, emphasizing the broader understanding of IP-related laws and their significance in the modern economy.
He illustrated how brands like Radisson, Mcdonalds, Dominos, Marriot etc. have secured IP registrations and enjoy a commercial edge over a vast market.
This, he explained, showcases the strategic power of intellectual property rights in providing businesses with global recognition and sustained competitive advantages.
The session was moderated by Kanchan Zutshi, Director, PHDCCI, who set the tone by explaining the fundamentals of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and their increasing importance in today’s competitive business landscape.
She elaborated on how IP protection fosters innovation, safeguards businesses from infringement, and enhances market competitiveness, particularly for startups and MSMEs looking to scale their operations.
Prominent among others present on the occassion include Shyam lal Sharma chairman & Virender Kesar Sr.Vice President Hotel & Restaurant Association Katra, Pawan Gupta President Hotels & Lodges Association Jammu, B B Kotwal President Bhaderwah Hotels Association, Shiv Thakur Magotra working President Hotel & Restaurant Association, Patnitop, Ashu Kumar President Travels Agents Association of Katra.