The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in association with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, successfully conducted a one-day Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Awareness Programme at Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Held under the IPR component of the MSME Innovative Scheme, the event aimed to equip startups, entrepreneurs, MSME representatives, researchers, students, and policymakers with essential knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving landscape of intellectual property and innovation.
Designed as an inclusive and interactive platform, the programme focused on the crucial role of IPR in nurturing creativity, protecting inventions, and advancing economic development—particularly in a region like Northeast India, where innovation is deeply linked to natural resources, indigenous knowledge, and community-based enterprise. The event attracted a robust turnout of participants who engaged actively in the technical sessions and discussions.
Throughout the day, participants were exposed to in-depth presentations on various domains of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and trade secrets. Each session demystified complex legal frameworks and emphasized strategic approaches to identifying, protecting, and leveraging IP assets in business and academia. The curriculum was carefully tailored to address both the theoretical and practical dimensions of IPR, with a special focus on regional relevance.
The event featured notable speakers and experts, including Mr. Pradipta Kumar Bagchi, a seasoned IP attorney and ICC-IPFC Designated Facilitator, who shared critical guidance on patent filings, trademark strategies, and IP commercialization avenues for MSMEs. Mr. S. Majaw, General Manager of the District Commerce and Industries Centre (DCIC), East Khasi Hills, presented an overview of government-led support schemes and subsidies under the MSME umbrella. Representing the local startup ecosystem, Mr. W. Jefferson Rani, Manager of Partnerships at PRIME Shillong, highlighted the growing need for IP literacy among youth-led enterprises and the role of IPR in Meghalaya’s evolving innovation landscape.
The programme’s interactive structure included Q&A sessions, real-life case studies, and region-specific examples to help participants contextualize their learning. Discussions around IP dispute resolution, economic benefits of owning intellectual property, and strategic IP planning were especially well received. The sessions also served as a catalyst for networking and knowledge-sharing, with many participants exploring follow-up engagement with ICC’s Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) in Guwahati.
The successful turnout and vibrant participation signaled a rising awareness of the value of IPR in the Northeast. Attendees expressed strong interest in pursuing IP registration and capacity-building opportunities, calling for more frequent awareness programmes and sustained handholding support to strengthen the IPR ecosystem. The event concluded on a high note, reinforcing the shared vision of empowering local innovators and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and infrastructure needed to thrive in a competitive economy rooted in originality and local strength.
With this initiative, ICC and the Ministry of MSME have taken a vital step toward fostering a more innovation-driven, IP-conscious business environment in Meghalaya and the broader Northeastern region.