In today’s Knowledge Economy, Intellectual Property (IP), like Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Designs etc. are an important asset for any organization. Further, it is also a means to gain a competitive edge and to reap Financial Benefits through various business models like licensing, franchising etc., of the Intellectual Property (IP).

It gives us great pleasure to inform you that Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in association with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, has set up an Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC).

The Key objective of this Facilitation Centre is to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) regarding utilization of Intellectual Property (IP) tools and technologies for better management of their Intellectual Property related needs.

The Centre will provide General Advisory and facilitate the access to legal and technical services like Prior Art Search, Patent Drafting and Prosecution of Intellectual Property Applications. Further the Centre will assist in Commercialization and Tech Transfer through ongoing FICCI’s programmes.

Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) comprises of Technical Experts on its panel, having extensive knowledge and experience in the Intellectual Property Rights field. IPFC ensures full support to MSME’s in protection of their Intellectual Property.

Benefits of Protecting Intellectual Property

Registering the intellectual property provides various exclusive rights to the owner for e.g. Grant of Patents would enable the enterprise to commercially exploit its invention/innovation for a period of 20 years, Trademark registration ensures that the goods are from the authenticated source etc.

Moreover, legal action could be taken against the duplicate products and its manufacturers.

Government Initiatives: Financial Assistance to MSME’s

§  Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, will provide financial support of upto Rs. 25000/- on grant of domestic patent, Rs. 2 lakh for foreign patent and Rs. 1 lakh for registering Geographical Indications.

§  Ministry of Communications and Information Technology provides reimbursement of upto Rs. 15 lakhs or 50% of the total expenses incurred in filing international patent applications.

We invite you to avail the services of IPFC.

We would also like to hear from you, your specific requirements in the area of IP protection & commercialization. This will help us make this Centre effective and customer focused.

For any further information, please visit  http://www.ficci.com/IPR_facilitation-brochure.pdf

Bishakha Bhattacharya, Director

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry  

E-mail: [email protected]