Leh, Mar 27: A two-day national-level Intellectual Property (IP) Yatra programme commenced in Leh on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, entrepreneurs and academia to deliberate on strengthening awareness of intellectual property rights (IPR) and their role in fostering innovation across the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry with support from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the programme is being held at Hotel Pal over March 26 and 27. More than 150 participants, including students, research scholars, faculty members, start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), are attending the sessions.
The inaugural session was attended by Tashi Gyalson as Chief Guest, while Ghulam Mehdi and Norboo Wangchok were present as Guests of Honour.
Speakers during the inaugural and technical sessions outlined various aspects of intellectual property protection, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and geographical indications (GI), along with procedures for registration under Government of India frameworks. The sessions aimed at simplifying processes for first-time applicants and innovators, particularly in emerging sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Kailash Bharti Goswami emphasised that intellectual property frameworks extend beyond legal safeguards and act as instruments for promoting creativity, innovation and economic development. He observed that regions such as Ladakh have the potential to utilise these frameworks to safeguard indigenous knowledge systems while advancing sustainable growth.
Another speaker, Dawa Wangmo, highlighted the importance of building awareness among students and entrepreneurs, noting that early recognition and protection of original ideas can strengthen grassroots innovation ecosystems.
In a technical session, Mohd Ashraf Bhat stressed the need for local enterprises to identify traditional products suitable for GI registration. He also elaborated on central schemes such as the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), aimed at supporting enterprise development and innovation.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Jatinder Singh said that hosting the IP Yatra in Ladakh reflects increasing attention towards expanding intellectual property awareness in emerging regions. He reiterated ongoing efforts to support MSMEs through outreach initiatives and IP facilitation centres.
The programme features multiple technical sessions led by experts including Inderneil United, Sayed Zainab, Shahid Khan, Sameena Iqbal and Jigmet Stobden, along with representatives from the Small Industries Development Bank of India. Discussions have covered patent analytics, trademark registration, GI filing procedures and strategies for commercialisation of intellectual assets.
Participants also engaged in deliberations on translating academic research into protected intellectual property, with an emphasis on bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application in entrepreneurial settings.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to cultivate an innovation-oriented environment in Ladakh, encouraging young researchers and entrepreneurs to secure their intellectual assets while contributing to regional development and the national innovation landscape.
The programme will continue on Friday with sessions focusing on IP enforcement, patent opposition and infringement. A dedicated helpdesk camp is also scheduled to provide on-site assistance for participants seeking guidance on intellectual property registration and related processes.
