MSMEs must protect their Intellectual Property Right (IPR) for higher acceptance & market value: WBIDC Chairman

Kolkata, 12 Jan (KNN) A session on Industrial Scenario in West Bengal was organised by Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry(MCCI) on Tuesday. 

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) Rajiva Sinha appealed the MSMEs of West Bengal to use Intellectual Property Right (IPR) and quality certification for greater recognition and market access.

“Through IPR and quality certification, the positing of MSME will boost up,” said Sinha. 

However MSME is falling short in this aspect, opined Sinha. 

“If you feel that there is a something unique about your product you should apply for IPR and get it patented. WBIDC will extend all possible assistance in this matter," Sinha said. 

To leverage business, the state government of West Bengal provides a subsidy of up to INR 5 lakh for seeking IPR or quality certification.

Currently there are 80 lakh MSMEs in the state but the applications for branding and patent is not at par. 

He urged MCCI to consider setting up of an IPR Facilition centre at its office in Dalhousie to assist MSMEs in seeking IPR or similar status.

For technology free of cost that helps in seeking such status can be availed at various institutions like IIT Kharagpur, Jadavpur University and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).