Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises has launched a scheme to build awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) among MSMEs.  The aim of this scheme is to enhance competitiveness of MSMEs under the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP).

Apparently, only one MSME has been provided grant of patent during the last three years including the current year, MSME Minister of State Giriraj Singh informed Lok Sabha. There is a big need to drive awareness among st MSMEs regarding concepts related to IPRs and why and how they can take measures for protecting their ideas and business strategies.

The MSME sector will benefit through a variety of activities: Awareness and Sensitization Programmers; Pilot Studies for Selected Clusters/Groups of Industries; Interactive Seminars/Workshops; Specialized Training; Assistance for Grant on Patent/GI Registration, Setting up of IP Facilitation Center & Interaction with International Agencies.

Under the scheme provision, 31 Intellectual Property Facilitation Center’s (IPFCs) for MSME Sector have been set up in the country.

Image Courtesy : Economic Times