The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in partnership with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, successfully concluded the “National IP Yatra 2024–25” in Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Held on March 20–21 under the IPR component of the MSME Innovative Scheme, this landmark two-day event served as a dynamic platform to advance intellectual property awareness and capacity-building across the Northeastern region. By engaging a cross-section of MSMEs, entrepreneurs, academia, artisans, and government stakeholders, the programme aimed to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and promote innovation-led economic growth in emerging sectors.
Centered on empowering local innovation ecosystems, the sessions highlighted the strategic role of IPR—particularly patents, trademarks, copyrights, and Geographical Indications (GIs)—in value creation and market competitiveness. Key discussions emphasized the importance of protecting traditional and indigenous knowledge systems in Meghalaya through GI registration, using iconic examples such as Lakadong turmeric, Larnai pottery, Garo handloom, and Chubitchi rice beer. The sessions further underscored how these IP tools can help drive sustainable livelihoods, especially for small businesses and rural innovators.
The event was enriched by detailed presentations from senior government officials and IP experts. Dr. Suneeta Betgeri, Deputy Controller at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), provided a strategic overview of national IP policies and their alignment with MSME development goals. Shri Jai Veer, Assistant Controller at DPIIT, explored patent lifecycle processes and regulatory insights, while Shri Naveen Verma, Senior Partner at ZeusIP Advocates LLP and ICC-IPFC Designated Attorney, elaborated on practical IP protection techniques and commercialization strategies tailored for MSMEs. Shri S. S. Barua, IEDS, Assistant Director of MSME-DFO Guwahati, outlined ongoing government schemes such as SCIP and their impact on IPR development in the Northeast.
Academic perspectives played a strong role in the event, with NIFT Shillong Director Shri Shankar Kumar Jha calling for enhanced IPR engagement in the textile, fashion, and design industries. Dr. Naba Kamal Nath, Associate Professor at NIT Meghalaya, provided insights into patent filing in engineering and technical fields, encouraging research scholars to integrate IP planning into innovation processes.
The National IP Yatra fostered an atmosphere of learning and interaction, where participants engaged in practical demonstrations, policy dialogues, and scenario-based case discussions. Diverse attendees—from young entrepreneurs and student researchers to artisans and faculty—converged with a shared goal: to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem by leveraging the power of intellectual property. The presence and support of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) of ICC, Guwahati, added value by offering long-term assistance in IP filing, management, and awareness across the Northeastern states.
The event concluded with an affirmation of the critical role IPR plays in regional development, competitiveness, and the preservation of cultural identity. Participants left the forum equipped with actionable knowledge and a renewed commitment to harnessing intellectual property as a driver of inclusive and sustainable progress. The ICC and Ministry of MSME reiterated their commitment to holding more such initiatives, ensuring continued momentum in Northeast India’s innovation and IPR journey.