Executive Summary:
This document summarizes the Indian government's initiatives related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Geographical Indications (GIs) as of August 19, 2025. It addresses questions regarding the commercialization of indigenous knowledge, IPR awareness programs, protection of traditional knowledge, GI registration, and the potential launch of a National Indigenous Knowledge Protection and Commercialization Policy. The information covers activities and data from 2020 onwards.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Commercialization of Indigenous Knowledge:**
* DPIIT does not maintain specific data on startups/MSMEs that have commercialized indigenous knowledge under its supported schemes.
* Since the launch of the Startup India initiative, 180,683 entities have been recognized as startups by DPIIT as of June 30, 2025.
* **IPR Awareness Programs:**
* CIPAM and DPIIT do not organize specific IPR awareness programs focused solely on indigenous communities.
* CIPAM has conducted numerous IPR awareness programs targeting academic institutions (466), industry including MSMEs and startups (403), and enforcement agencies and the judiciary (140).
* **Protection of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge:**
* Inventions based on traditional knowledge or duplications of known properties are not patentable under Section 3(p) of the Patents Act, 1970.
* The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), established in 2001, documents over 5.2 lakh formulations from various traditional systems and acts as a prior art database.
* TKDL evidence is used to challenge patent applications lacking novelty.
* The National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, has implemented dedicated IPR policies.
* Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV) conducts IPR training workshops for AYUSH professionals.
* Guidelines for AYUSH-related inventions have been introduced to guide patent applicants in the Ayush sector.
* **Geographical Indications (GIs):**
* GI status is granted according to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, and Rules, 2002.
* Applications must be made by associations representing producers.
* The government promotes GI-tagged products and encourages communities to file for GI tags.
* Annual GI application filings have increased from 47 in 2014-15 to 275 in 2024-25.
* Details of registered GI products are available on the DPIIT website.
* Numerous awareness initiatives, workshops, fairs, and promotional campaigns have been conducted to promote GIs, including events like the India GI Fair, GI Mahotsav, and collaborations with media outlets.
* **National Indigenous Knowledge Protection and Commercialization Policy:**
* There is no current proposal under consideration to launch a National Indigenous Knowledge Protection and Commercialization Policy under DPIIT's IPR strategy.
Impact Analysis:
* **Startups and MSMEs:**
* Impact: Encouraged to innovate while respecting traditional knowledge; access to IPR awareness programs.
* Action Required: Utilize available resources for IPR protection and GI registration for relevant products.
* **Indigenous Communities and Traditional Knowledge Holders:**
* Impact: Safeguarding of traditional knowledge against misappropriation through defensive protection measures and promotion of GI for indigenous products.
* Action Required: Participate in GI registration processes and utilize available platforms for promoting traditional products.
* **IPR Professionals and Legal Community:**
* Impact: Guidance in handling patent applications related to traditional knowledge.
* Action Required: Stay updated on guidelines and regulations concerning traditional knowledge and GI.
* **Consumers:**
* Impact: Increased awareness and access to authentic GI-tagged products.
* Action Required: Support GI products to contribute to the economic benefit of indigenous communities.
* **Government and DPIIT:**
* Impact: Monitoring and facilitating IPR protection and GI registration.
* Action Required: Continue to conduct awareness programs and provide support for GI registration and promotion.
Key Entities Referenced
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT): A department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, responsible for the promotion of industry and internal trade, including intellectual property rights.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Legal rights that protect creations of the mind, including inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.
Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM): An organization under DPIIT that promotes and manages intellectual property rights.
Geographical Indications (GI): A sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Startup India: An initiative by the Government of India to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country.
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): A digital library of traditional knowledge established by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to prevent the patenting of traditional knowledge.
Geographical Indications of Goods Registration Protection Act, 1999: An act of the Indian Parliament that provides for the registration and protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh: A city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, where several events related to Geographical Indications were held, including the India Expo Center Mart.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4223.
TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, THE 19TH AUGUST, 2025.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT AWARENESS PROGRAMMES
4223. THIRU ARUN NEHRU:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री
(a) the data on the number of startups or MSMEs that have commercialised
indigenous knowledge under DPIIT-supported schemes since 2020, State and
year-wise;
(b) the data on the number of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) awareness and
outreach programmes focused on indigenous communities under DPIIT or the
Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) have been conducted since
2020, State and year-wise;
(c) the details of the steps that have been taken by the Government to protect
indigenous knowledge and traditional knowledge systems under existing IPR
frameworks administered by DPIIT;
(d) the details of the steps that have been taken by the Government to facilitate the
registration of Geographical Indications (GIs) for indigenous products and
ensure community benefits; and
(e) whether the Government is considering to launch a National Indigenous
Knowledge Protection and Commercialisation Policy under DPIIT’s IPR
strategy, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद)
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a): The data on the number of startups/MSME that have commercialised
indigenous knowledge under DPIIT-supported schemes is not maintained by
Department.
However, it is informed that since the launch of the Startup India initiative, the
number of entities recognized as startups by Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is 1,80,683 as on 30th June 2025.(b): No specific IPR awareness programmes are organised by CIPAM or DPIIT
focusing only on indigenous communities. The details of IPR awareness
programmes organised by CIPAM over the years is enclosed as Annexure 1.
(c): The Government has taken key steps to protect indigenous and traditional
knowledge under the IPR framework administered by DPIIT:
Non-patentability under Section 3(p) of the Patents Act, 1970:
Inventions based on traditional knowledge or duplications of known
properties are not patentable.
Defensive Protection and Legal Interventions through Traditional
Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): Established in 2001 by CSIR. TKDL
documents over 5.2 lakh formulations and practices from Ayurveda, Unani,
Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga.TKDL acts as a prior art database to
prevent patenting of traditional knowledge and supports patent examiners
with evidence.TKDL evidence is used in pre-grant oppositions and third-
party observations to challenge patent applications lacking novelty or
inventive step.
Institutional Support: National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, has
implemented dedicated IPR policies and a dedicated IPR Chairs has also
been approved under DPIIT provisions.
Capacity Building: Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), Ministry of
Ayush, organizes regular IPR training workshops, aimed at sensitizing and
empowering Ayush professionals and entrepreneurs on IP protection and
commercialization.
Guidelines for AYUSH related inventions have been introduced for
better guidance of applicants seeking for Patent protection for inventions
in the Ayush sector.
(d): Granting GI status to a product is guided by Geographical Indications of Goods
(Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 and Geographical Indications of Goods
(Registration & Protection) Rules, 2002. An application for registration of a
product as GI has to be made by any association of persons, producers,
organizations, or authorities established by or under the law representing
the interest of producers of GI. The applicant has to comply with requirements
and submit necessary documents as per GI Act & Rules for a product to qualify
and be registered as a GI. However, the government is taking various initiative
through awareness and promotion of GI tagged products encouraging the
community to file for GI tag for their traditional products (list enclosed as
Annexure III). As a result, the annual application filing for GIs has risen from
47 in 2014-15 to 275 in 2024-25. Details of registered GI products is available
on DPIIT’s website under the link –
https://dpiit.gov.in/sites/default/files/Details_GIProducts_18August2025.pdf.
(e): No such proposal is under consideration of this department.
********ANNEXURE-I
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION 4223 FOR ANSWER ON 19.08.2025.
Number of awareness programmes focused on IPR awareness under CIPAM, DPIIT:
Target Group No. of Programmes
Academic Institutions (Schools, Colleges, 466
Universities, TISCs)
Industry including MSMEs and Start-ups 403
Enforcement Agencies and Judiciary 140
*********ANNEXURE-III
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION 4223 FOR ANSWER ON 19.08.2025.
S. Year Event
No.
1 2022-23 Awareness initiatives on Geographical Indications:
Advertising and Publicity Professional Services
2 2022-23 Awareness workshop (26th Apr’22):
A one-day awareness workshop conducted in Kalsi,
Dehradun in collaboration with IIT Roorkee for several
local artisans to create awareness on GI
3 2022-23 World Intellectual Property Day 2022(26th Apr’22):
DPIIT conducted ‘National Photography Contest’ on
theme capturing various aspects of Geographical
Indications and their uniqueness, diversity, & artistry
4 2022-23 India GI fair (26th-28th Aug’22):
3-day event was organized at the India Expo Center &
Mart, Greater Noida
5 2022-23 GI Mahotsav (16th -21st Oct’22):
A weekly event was conducted at Trade facilitation
Center, Varanasi
Various knowledge sessions were organized for the GI
holders with DPIIT officials
6 2022-23 Exclusive GI pavilion (14th -27th Nov’22):
Exclusive GI pavilion was set up at IITF 2022 which was
organized by ITPO at Pragati Maidan
7 2022-23 To popularize GIs of India, 17 promotional videos covering
various Indian GIs were prepared in collaboration with TV
History 18
Aired videos on various channels of TV History 18 network such
as History TV18 -SD, History TV18 – HD
8 2022-23 Social media campaign on GIs:
DPIIT undertook a social media campaign to promote
India’s GIs
‘Gift a GI’ campaign launched during festive seasons to
encourage purchase of GI products
‘Spot the GI’ launched to spread awareness on GIs
through interesting factoids
CIPAM ran a campaign on ‘Winter GI Accessories’
9 2022-23 GI Pavilion (14th–18th Mar’23):
DPIIT has set up a ‘GI Pavilion’ for 55 GI registered
products at AAHAR 2023 at Pragati Maidan
The 37th International food & hospitality fair themed
‘Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India’ shows
Participation of women entrepreneurs/artisans
10 2023-24 Engagement with States & UTs:
State Governments and Administration of Union
Territories are currently hosting events to create
awareness about GIs amongst both consumers &
producers
Assisting in capacity building and hand-holding of respective GI
producers and facilitate sale & marketing of GIs11 2023-24 EPCH GI Fair India (20th –24th Jul’23):
2nd edition of GI Fair India 2023’ at India Expo Centre & Mart,
Greater Noida
12 2023-24 Radio Mirchi (17th –31st Aug’23):
Promotion of GI by Radio Mirchi Brewery was held for 15 days
13 2023-24 UP International Trade Show (21st –25th Sep’23):
UP International Trade Show at Indian Expo Centre & Mart,
Greater Noida
14 2023-24 GI Mahotsav at Srinagar (2nd –8th Oct’23):
A weeklong GI Mahotsav at Srinagar as part of initiative for
promotion of GI
15 2023-24 GI Startup Challenge (29th Dec’23-20th Feb’24) :
DPIIT in collaboration with Startup India had conducted GI Startup
Grand Challenge on the Startup India portal to identify innovative
solutions through start-ups for challenges within the GI ecosystem
16 2023-24 Promotion of GI by India Today:
DPIIT in collaboration with India Today Published GI related
articles in three phases for promotion of GIs
17 2023-24 Promotion of GI by National Geographic:
DPIIT in collaboration with National Geographic Channel launched
GI-based videos which included Production, Airing, Marketing and
Licensing of 5 Documentary Films (8-10 mins) on GI Tagged
Products in India and SAARC Markets
18 2023-24 5-day International Hackathon at Kolkata (8th–12th Mar’24):
West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WB NUJS)
conducted International Conference on Hackathon on
Geographical Indication and related Traditional Knowledge
Cultural Expressions
19 2024-25 GI Catalyst (12th July 2024)
The ‘GI Catalyst: Insight to Impact Summit’, was held at
Yashobhoomi on 12th July 2024. This pivotal event, graced by
senior officials from various ministries, focuses on enhancing
India’s GI Ecosystem through convergence and collaboration,
promoting our rich culture and heritage.
20 2024-25 Promotion of GI on Indian Airlines (Mar-Jul’24)
A total of 12 articles covering GI products from various parts of the
country were published in inflight magazines of leading airlines
such as Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet and Indigo (3 articles per
airline).
21 2024-25 GI-themed wedding videos by Outlook magazine:
Promotion of GI products in collaboration with Outlook Group to
leverage its multiple platforms to showcase documentaries on the
geographical indications (GIs) of India through the concept of the
"Weds in India" campaign.
22 2024-25 Autumn Fair International at Birmingham (1st –4th Sep’24):
EPCH with the approval and financial support from DPIIT,
organised Indian GI Pavilion with Participation & Live
Demonstration by GI producers in Autumn Fair International 2024
in Birmingham, United Kingdom23 2024-25 Bazaar Berlin 2024(6th –10th Nov’24):
DPIIT in association with Invest India organised India’s GI
Products at Bazaar Berlin 2024 at Berlin Fairground (Expo Center
City) in Germany
24 2024-25 Promotion of GI by National Geographic (Season 2):
After successfully airing Season 1 of 'GI Tag in India,
Promotion of GI through Season 2, a 60-minute film
narrated by Shekhar Kapoor, focusing on the success
story of a GI product shop owner.
Broadcast on National Geographic Channel India (SD and
HD) & in SAARC Countries in English, Hindi, Tamil,
Telugu, Bengali, and Kannada languages.
Additionally, on YouTube.
25 2024-25 Promotion through Entire Season 9 of MasterChef India:
DPIIT has partnered with MasterChef India Season 9 on
SonyLIV to promote Geographical Indications (GI). Through this
collaboration, DPIIT aims to showcase India's rich culinary
heritage by integrating GI-tagged products into the season's
storyline, leveraging the wide reach and popularity of the show.
26 2024-25 GI promotional activities in Delhi Metro:
Undertaking GI promotional activities through Display Boards
inside Delhi Metro coaches
27 2024-25 GI promotional activities at airport by Orango and TIME:
Performing GI promotional activities through Digital Screens,
Digital Display Boards, Hoarding etc. at Srinagar, Udaipur,
Varanasi, Delhi and Mumbai Airport
28 2024-25 GI promotional activities at the Delhi airport:
Setting up stores dedicated to the sale of GI products in
association with the Central Cottage Industries Corporation
Limited
29 2024-25 Gl Samagam at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi: Considering the
importance of Geographical Indications and its enormous growth
potential, DPIIT has organised "Gl Samagam" on 22.01.2025. The
event has brought together key stakeholders,
Ministries/Departments, User Departments of Central and State
Governments, Policy Makers, Industry Leaders, Artisans,
Producers etc., across the Gl ecosystem in India on a single
platform to exchange ideas and deliberate upon the future growth
and development of the sector.
********