Workshop on "Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Protecting Innovations in the Textile and Fashion Industry"

Chandigarh, August 22, 2024: A workshop titled "Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Protecting Innovations in the Textile and Fashion Industry" was organized on Thursday at Golden Jubilee Hall, Panjab University (PU), from 9 am to 5 pm by the DST-Centre for Policy Research (CPR), PU, Chandigarh, in partnership with University Institute of Fashion Technology (UIFT), PU, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Panchkula and partially sponsored by the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), Government of Punjab. The event saw the participation of 150 attendees, including startup owners, entrepreneurs, research scholars and students from various colleges and institutes.

The workshop began with a welcome address by Prof. Kashmir Singh, Coordinator of DST-CPR, followed by the inauguration led by Prof. Yajvender Pal Verma, Registrar of Panjab University, who underscored the significance of textile exports to India’s economy. Among the distinguished guests were Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director of PSCST, Government of Punjab, who highlighted how the technologies developed by PSCST are aiding over 9,000 industries. He also stressed the importance of commercializing these technologies to ensure societal benefits. Dr. Amandeep Singh Grover, Director of NIFT Panchkula, emphasized the importance of intellectual property rights (IPR) awareness for every student in fashion and textiles. Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi. Joint Director, PSCST, Punjab, provided a brief overview to the participants about the support and collaborative opportunities available through PSCST, Punjab, and discussed the government's various schemes aimed at empowering the textile industry. The keynote address was delivered by the chief guest, Mridula Jain, Vice Chairperson of Shingora Textiles, Punjab shared her inspiring journey of transforming Shingora into a globally recognized brand. She detailed the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way, providing valuable insights into the strategic decisions and innovative approaches that contributed to Shingora's success. Jain also enlightened the participants on the most effective strategies for brand building, emphasizing the importance of quality, consistency, and understanding market trends.

Dr. Divya Kaushik from PSCST, Government of Punjab, delivered an insightful talk on the scope of Intellectual Property in the textile and fashion industry. Reema Sinha Mediratta, Head of i-TTO, Delhi, shared case studies related to IP in textile and fashion world with participants and startup owners. Additionally, Prof. Jyoti Rattan from the Department of Laws at Panjab University highlighted the issues and challenges that artificial intelligence poses to intellectual property rights in the textile and fashion industry and Dr. Rahul Taneja,scientist, HSCST, outlined the contributions HSCST has made in the fashion and textile industry, particularly in the area of IP protection and also discussed in detail importance of IPR.

The workshop featured an exhibition showcasing the innovative work of emerging startups in the textile and fashion industry, offering participants a chance to explore sustainable designs, advanced manufacturing, and IP-driven solutions. The exhibition promoted visibility, networking, and potential collaborations, emphasizing the event's dedication to fostering innovation and supporting new ventures in the sector.