The Two-Day National Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) – National IP Yatra Nagaland 2025 – commenced on 28th March 2025 at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, Nagaland. The event that focuses on raising awareness about intellectual property protection among various sectors, is being organised by Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) – Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre in collaboration with Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) & Patent Information Centre, Nagaland Science & Technology Council, Department of Science & Technology.

Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor, Department of Agriculture, in his keynote address, highlighted on how artisans, weavers, agro- entrepreneurs, and small business owners create unique products that reflect our traditions, skills, and innovations. He acknowledged the critical role of the agricultural sector in ensuring food security and economic stability and highlighted various government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, improving productivity, and promoting modern farming techniques. Stressing the need for adopting sustainable agricultural practices, he encouraged farmers to integrate organic methods, soil conservation techniques, and efficient water management strategies.

The Advisor emphasized on how Nagaland has made significant strides in Intellectual Property Rights, particularly in Geographical Indications, he added that Gl tags have not only enhanced the value of products but also prevented unauthorized use and opened doors to better market access.

Yanthan also spoke about the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through financial support, training programs, and access to quality seeds and fertilizers. He urged farmers to take advantage of government schemes designed to boost agricultural output and enhance their livelihoods.

Additionally, the Advisor highlighted the importance of collaboration between farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers to address challenges such as climate change, pest infestations, and market fluctuations. He called for increased awareness and adoption of innovative farming technologies that can enhance productivity while maintaining ecological balance.

The Advisor assured that the government remains committed to fostering a resilient agricultural sector that benefits both farmers and consumers alike.

Dr. Nesatalu Hiese, Mission Director & Scientist ‘D’ Nagaland Science Mission & NASTEC Department of Science & Technology highlighted that the Patent Information Centre in the state has been continuously creating awareness through state level workshops, national workshops, seminars and at the same time guiding and facilitating in filing the various IP rights. Patent Information Centre is also a pioneer in setting up the IPR facilitating centre in the state, she added.

Dr. Hiese pointed out that these centres are aimed to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in protecting their intellectual assets and navigating the complexities of IP registration and that there are currently four in the state.

The Mission Director stressed that many entrepreneurs, start-ups, and local businesses lack awareness of IP rights, which can be crucial for securing patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The newly established centers will offer free professional services, including prior art searches, patent and trademark filing assistance, and commercialization strategies. She stated that this initiative is a step forward in safeguarding local innovations and ensuring that Nagaland’s businesses can compete on a broader scale.

Dr. Hiese also addressed the importance of plant variety protection for farmers, explaining that securing legal rights over plant varieties would enhance their incomes and provide clear ownership, reducing conflicts over seed usage. She further encouraged businesses to obtain industrial design rights, citing benefits such as brand differentiation, increased market value, and deterrence of product imitation.

Delivering the welcome address, Joint Secretary, IDAN, Reny Wilfred, IAS, emphasized that the IP Yatra shines a spotlight on the creativity, indigenous knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Nagaland. He mentioned that this program is a moment to recognize, protect, and showcase the intellectual wealth that resides within the communities, artisans, and farmers. Ideas have value, and that value must be safeguarded, he stated.

The initiative, launched by MoMSME, seeks to enhance awareness about IPR, create synergies between government and private institutions, and encourage increased IP filings within India and internationally. Wilfred highlighted that the event is not just about legal registrations and trademarks but about fostering a sense of ownership over indigenous innovations.

The goal, he said, is to extend the impact of this Yatra across the state, reaching farmers, students, innovators, and start-ups, equipping them with the necessary tools to protect their intellectual capital. It’s about building an ecosystem of accessibility and economic opportunity, he added, urging participants to make the most of the workshop and share their learnings with others.

The event was attended by college students, entrepreneurs, agricultural experts, who welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a vital tool for economic empowerment in the region.

The National IP Yatra Nagaland 2025, a two-day event focused on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), commenced on 28th March 2025, at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.

Advisor for the Department of Agriculture, @MhaYanthan graced the programme as the special guest.… pic.twitter.com/ICI9J5bTv9

— DIPR Nagaland (@dipr_nagaland) March 28, 2025

The workshop, as part of the National IP Yatra initiative, seeks to:

1. Promote awareness and sensitization on intellectual property among the people of Nagaland.
2. Enable MSMEs in the state to understand, identify, and utilize intellectual property for competitive advantage.
3. Increase the presence and impact of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) and MSME Innovative Scheme, ensuring businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from them.
4. Guide MSMEs in identifying and integrating intellectual property into their day-to-day business operations, leveraging it for sustainable growth and excellence.
5. Provide insights into the commercialization of IP-based products, helping businesses turn their innovations into economic assets.