The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry in India has taken significant steps towards promoting and creating awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Two key initiatives launched include a tutorial video on IPRs for school students and the Geographical Indications (GI) website. These efforts align with India’s commitment to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which they have effectively integrated into national law.
The Geographical Indications Website: Equipping Artisans with Vital Information
The GI website is designed to provide comprehensive information about Indian GIs products, categorized by state and product type. It offers details about geographical area, product uniqueness, history, and processing, as well as enumerating GI authorized users. The platform aims to inspire more Indian artisans to apply for GI registration, thereby cultivating creativity across different parts of the country.
The Tutorial Video on Intellectual Property Rights: A Tool for Education and Awareness
A 20-minute tutorial video was created by the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) in collaboration with Qualcomm. This video introduces children to the basics of IPRs, including Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks. IP Nani, India’s first IP Mascot, features prominently in the video, engaging viewers while educating them about IPR importance. This resource can be used independently in schools, reaching large numbers of students without requiring additional support from teachers or professionals.
Intellectual Property Rights: A Brief Overview
Intellectual Property Rights refer to the laws given to individuals or organizations to protect their creative work and innovations. The various laws governing IPR in India include The Copyright Act, 1957; Patents Act,1970; Trade Mark Act, 1999; The Designs Act, 2000; The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999; The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001; and The SemiConductor Integrated Circuits Layout Design Act, 2000.
| IPR Laws in India | Year of Enactment |
|---|---|
| The Copyright Act | 1957 |
| Patents Act | 1970 |
| Trade Mark Act | 1999 |
| The Designs Act | 2000 |
| The Geographical Indications of Goods Act | 1999 |
| The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act | 2001 |
| The SemiConductor Integrated Circuits Layout Design Act | 2000 |
The Role of IP Nani and Chhotu in IPR Awareness
IP Nani is a tech-savvy mascot created by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2018. She and her grandson Chhotu are tasked with aiding government and enforcement agencies in combating IP crimes. Their role primarily focuses on disseminating knowledge about the significance of Intellectual Property Rights, particularly to children, in an engaging and accessible manner.
WTO’s TRIPS Agreement: Regulating Intellectual Property Rights Globally
The TRIPS Agreement has been active since January 1, 1995. It establishes minimum standards for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights across WTO member countries. This agreement contributes towards decreasing distortions and hurdles in international trade and covers various components of intellectual property, including Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Geographical Indications, and Industrial Designs.
The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management: Spearheading IPR Implementation
Established in 2016 under the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, CIPAM has been instrumental in implementing the National IPR Policy. The cell’s key responsibilities encompass creating public awareness about IPRs, promoting IPR filing, providing a platform for inventors to commercialize their IP assets, and coordinating policy implementation with various government departments and stakeholders.
A Closer Look at Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights
Trademarks, patents, and copyrights form the cornerstone of Intellectual Property Rights. A trademark identifies and differentiates the goods’ source from one party to another, and unlike patents and copyrights, they do not expire after a set term of years, provided they are used consistently. Patents grant limited duration property rights relating to an invention for 20 years in India. Copyrights protect tangible expressions of authorship such as songs, books, movies, and works of art.