IPR Awareness & Innovation Promotion Forum

12/12/2025

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚 × 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐢 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐥: 𝐀 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐆𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The ordinary Indian chappal is now set to walk the high street of global fashion. Italian luxury house Prada has signed an MoU to launch a limited-edition line of Kolhapuri Chappals—around 2,000 handcrafted pairs made in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Interestingly, this comes months after Prada faced criticism for cultural misappropriation of Kolhapuri-inspired designs.
But this time, the difference is clear:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐆𝐈).
Kolhapuri Chappal is a Registered GI, legally belonging to artisans of specific clusters in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
This means only authentic producers from these regions can use the name “Kolhapuri.”
Any misuse or misrepresentation can be legally challenged under the GI Act, 1999.
Prada’s decision to source directly from GI-certified artisans is a powerful acknowledgement of this protection.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐈
🔹 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬
Only certified artisans can use the GI name—protecting heritage from misuse.
🔹 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬
A luxury brand’s collaboration shows the prestige a GI carries internationally.
🔹 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
GI protection ensures global brands must collaborate ethically and transparently.
🔹 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 & 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐬
Fair value, better income, sustainable livelihoods, and inter-generational skill preservation.
🔹 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞
The craft, identity, and tradition behind the Kolhapuri Chappal remain protected and respected.

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞-𝐢𝐧-𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐆𝐈-𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐭 €𝟖𝟎𝟎 (₹𝟖𝟒,𝟎𝟎𝟎+)
Available in 40 select Prada stores worldwide and online.
Prada has no official fashion retail store in India.

When GIs are protected, artisans prosper.
When GIs are ignored, cultures suffer.
The Prada–Kolhapuri story is a reminder of the strength of India's GI system—and why GI awareness and enforcement are essential for empowering traditional artisan communities.

22/11/2025

🇮🇳 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 — 𝐀 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠.

In a historic development for Indian IP jurisprudence, the Trade Marks Registry has officially accepted India’s first smell trademark, granted to Japanese company Sumitomo Rubber Industries for its rose-scented tyres. This marks a major evolution in how non-traditional trademarks are interpreted and protected in India.

Sumitomo filed its application in March 2023, but the journey was far from simple. The Registry initially raised objections under Sections 9(1)(a) and 2(1)(zb) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, citing concerns over:
• lack of inherent distinctiveness, and
• absence of an acceptable graphical representation of the scent.

To resolve this complex issue, multiple hearings were conducted and senior IP expert Pravin Anand was appointed amicus curiae. A scientific breakthrough finally paved the way:
🔬 Three scientists from IIIT Allahabad developed a unique graphical model, converting the rose-like fragrance into a vector in a seven-dimensional sensory space—floral, fruity, woody, nutty, pungent, sweet, and minty.

This scientific representation was adopted by the applicant, satisfying the requirement for graphical representation and enabling the Registry to accept the mark.

Why This Matters
• Opens the door for non-traditional trademarks in India: smell, sound, texture, motion, and more.
• Encourages innovative branding strategies across industries.
• Positions India in line with global IP regimes recognizing sensory marks.
• Provides clarity on how such marks can be represented for registration.

This case is a benchmark for IP practitioners, innovators, and businesses exploring new dimensions of brand identity.

20/10/2025

Happy Diwali 🪔🎇

02/10/2025

May Lord Rama's victory over Ravana inspire you to overcome all challenges and bring joy, prosperity, and peace into your life.

15/08/2025

Wishing you a very happy Independence Day as we honor the spirit of freedom and the sacrifices that built our nation.
🇮🇳

12/06/2025

𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝑰𝒔 𝑫𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 — 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒔.

Today’s tragic news of a fatal plane crash is a somber reminder that no title, no success, no plan outweighs the unpredictability of life.
Each life carried stories, families, ambitions, and contributions that will now remain incomplete. 🕊️

Let’s be more present in our conversations, more intentional in our actions, and more grateful for every single moment we are given.

Deepest condolences to the grieving families.

14/05/2025

We are proud to share the wonderful achievement of the students of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School - Kanpur, who have been awarded Design Registration Certificate for their original design related to the product Soil Analysis And Agro Recommendation Technology For High Yield (SAARTHI).
This success is a result of a collaborative effort – inspired students, supportive teachers, and the enabling ecosystem of the Atal Tinkering Lab.
We at IPR Awareness & Innovation Promotion Forum (IAIPF) are especially proud of the role played by our founder, Mr. Navdeep Shridhar, who supported the students through the process of securing their Design Rights under the Indian IP system.
This is a shining example of how IP education at the school level can nurture creativity and innovation, and we remain committed to empowering young minds across India.
👏 Congratulations to all students, teachers, and ATL coordinators involved!
Atal Innovation Mission | NITI Aayog | Startup India | World Intellectual Property Organization


hashtag hashtag

13/05/2025

Welcome Dr. Sadhana Srivastava, as Advisory Board Member of IPR Awareness & Innovation Promotion Forum.
We are privileged to welcome Dr. Sadhana Srivastava, Scientist-G, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, as a distinguished member of the Advisory Board of the IPR Awareness & Innovation Promotion Forum (IAIPF).
Dr. Srivastava brings with her a wealth of expertise in intellectual property rights, technology transfer, and strategic innovation management within the biomedical research ecosystem. As a senior scientist at ICMR, she has played a pivotal role in institutionalizing IP policies, facilitating public health innovation, and advancing translational research for societal benefit.
Her vision for integrating IP frameworks with national R&D objectives, combined with her deep commitment to fostering innovation-driven solutions, aligns seamlessly with IAIPF’s mission to promote IP awareness and innovation across educational, industrial, and research institutions in India.
We are confident that her strategic guidance and thought leadership will significantly enrich our efforts and inspire the next generation of innovators.
We extend our warmest welcome and look forward to a meaningful collaboration.
Navdeep Shridhar

11/05/2025

🚀 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝑫𝒂𝒚 2025 🇮🇳
Celebrating India's Journey of Innovation & Indigenization

Today, we mark National Technology Day, commemorating the historic nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran on May 11, 1998 — a defining moment that showcased India’s scientific prowess to the world. Over the years, this day has evolved into a tribute to the spirit of innovation that drives our nation forward.

🌐 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂’𝒔 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉 𝑬𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:
From being a technology importer to becoming a global innovation partner, India has made remarkable strides in areas like space research, quantum computing, AI, semiconductors, fintech, health-tech, and clean energy. But one sector where this transformation stands out is Defence Technology.

🛡️ 𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓: The Vanguard of Indigenous Innovation

📡𝑫𝑹𝑫𝑶’𝒔 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒔: From developing advanced missile systems 🚀 like Agni and Prithvi, to the cutting-edge Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) — DRDO is pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

🛳️ 𝑰𝑵𝑺 𝑽𝒊𝒌𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕:: India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier — a symbol of self-reliance and maritime strength.

✈️𝑻𝒆𝒋𝒂𝒔 𝑭𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑱𝒆𝒕: A homegrown multi-role combat aircraft that reflects years of aeronautical innovation and perseverance.

🛞Arjun Main Battle Tank, Pinaka Rocket System, and Akash Missile Defence System — each a testament to India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities under the umbrella of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

🛸𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒚𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔 are strengthening India’s position in modern and hybrid warfare domains.

💡 𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑨 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒑 𝑶𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚

Through initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), startups are now co-developing solutions for military-grade problems.

🚏Whether it’s AI for surveillance, drone swarms, quantum encryption, or smart wearables — deep tech startups are now strategic partners in India’s defence narrative.

🚁The rise of dual-use technologies is blurring lines between civilian and military innovation — opening new frontiers for entrepreneurs.

26/04/2025

12/04/2025

📢𝑼𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 21 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑮𝑰 𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔 – 𝑨 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚 & 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒚 🎉🎉
🌐Uttar Pradesh Secures 21 New GI Tags – A Boost for Local Economy & Cultural Identity

In a landmark move, PM Narendra Modi awarded GI certificates to 21 unique products from Uttar Pradesh — including Banarasi Tabla, Bharwan Mirch, Bareilly Furniture, Mathura’s Sanjhi craft, and Pilibhit’s Bamboo Flute. With this, UP now leads the country with 77 GI-tagged products.

🚦Why GI Tags Matter:

🌐They preserve traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
🌐Create identity and brand value for local products.
🌐Enable artisans and farmers to access premium markets and better incomes.
🌐Promote rural innovation and employment.

This milestone strengthens the ‘One District, One Product’ initiative and reinforces India’s vision of self-reliance powered by tradition and innovation.

Local Roots, Global Reach.

, , , , #
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,Government of India MyGovIndia Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
Up government MyGov Hindi Narendra Modi

Uttar Pradesh now leads with 77 Geographical Indication-tagged items, Kashi region a global hub with 32 such products

03/04/2025

🌍𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒆𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 (𝑮𝑰𝒔) 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒖𝒏𝒋𝒂𝒃! 🏆✨

Honored to have an insightful discussion with Dr Kashmir Singh, Head of the DST Centre for Policy Research, Panjab University, Chandigarh on the importance of Geographical Indications (GIs) and Punjab's rich GI heritage.

In this conversation, Navdeep Shridhar Director, IPR Awareness & Innovation Promotion Forum in conversation with Dr Kashmir Singh delve into:

✅ The role of GI tags in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural identity

✅ How GI protection boosts economic growth and global recognition

✅ Punjab’s iconic GI products, from Phulkari embroidery to Basmati rice, and why they matter

Geographical Indications are more than just legal protections—they are a powerful tool for sustainability, rural empowerment, and market differentiation.

📽️ Watch the full video to uncover how GIs can shape the future of Punjab’s unique products!

Let’s keep the conversation going—what are your thoughts on leveraging GI protection for economic and cultural growth? Drop your insights in the comments! ⬇️