CCEA to consider continuation of Intellectual Property Offices modernisation plan

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is expected to take a view on continuing with Rs 300-crore scheme for modernising and strengthening of Intellectual Property Offices (IPOs) in its meeting tomorrow.

Recognising the importance of modernisation of IPOs, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) had implemented the scheme during the 11th Five Year Plan.

The CCEA would take up the matter tomorrow for continuation of the scheme during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), sources said.

The modernised offices is expected to provide the necessary infrastructure for a vibrant intellectual property regime in the country.

The Intellectual Property Offices deals with patents, designs, trade marks and geographical indications. They are the focal points for examination of Intellectual Property Rights applications, granting or registration of rights and dissemination of IPR related information for the benefit of research & development and furthering of innovation in the country.

The IP infrastructure is one of the key elements of competitiveness in the new globalised international economic system.