The Kerala State Conference on Intellectual Property Rights focused on the importance of intellectual property (IP) to nurturing entrepreneurial growth. The event was a collaborative effort organized by the Consortium of women entrepreneurs of India- CWEI that brought together experts, public officials, entrepreneurs, and academic institutions to explore the relevance of intellectual property rights in today’s innovation-driven economy. 

The Event by CWEI was Hosted On August 8th ,2024 at Kerala StartUp Mission, kalamassery.  The event  began with an inaugural by addressing the esteemed guests from several entities, such as Kerala Startup Mission ,  Cochin Chamber of Commerce & Industry,United States Intellectual Property Counselor for South Asia,Law, Industries & Coir,Ministry of Commerce,The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd,Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village, Kozhikode,Kottapuram Integrated Development society – KIDS, Kodungallur

Where the Delegates from different entities spoke on 

• Special Remarks by Shri. Anand Venkitraman, President, Cochin Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Keynote Address by Mr. John Cabeca, United States Intellectual Property Counselor for South Asia
• National Policy – Govt. Perspective by Ms. Simrat Kaur, Director, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce
• Inaugural Address by P. Rajeeve, Hon’ble Minister of Law, Industries & Coir
• Introduction to Intellectual Property by  Dr. R.Bhanumathi – Deputy Controller of Patents & Designs
• Relevance of GI in the National Policy
• Registration Process by Dr. S. Sivakumar – Assistant Registrar of TM & GI
• Trademark & Copyright by Ms. Shilpi Jha, Senior Intellectual Property Policy Advisor for South Asia
• Technical & Financial support services to startups & MSME by Mr. Kalesh,  SIDBI MSME DFO & Ms. Rekha K, IEDS, MSME DFO
• District Industry Centre : Shri P.A Najeeb, GM, DIC
• Successful Model of Kudumbashree, Promoting entrepreneurship at the Grassroots by Ms. Rajeena T.M, Kudumbashree
• NSIC introduction by  Ms. Grace Reji, Manager, The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd.
• Role of Arts & Crafts Village in Promoting creativity in Innovation By Mr. Rajesh T K, G.M, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village, Kozhikode
• Prototypes & Case Studies of Handicraft Sector By Father Ebenezer Anthony. Kottapuram Integrated Development society – KIDS, Kodungallur
• Introduction to the design Education at JD Institute of Fashion Technology by Ms Sandra Agnes D Souza – Director South ,JD Institute of Fashion Technology

In addition, Keralan craftsmen had stalls set up during the conference where they exhibited and sold handloom merchandise, accessories, jewelry, handmade décor, purses, snacks, pickles, and various other goods.  

The finish line of the event covered a fashion show that highlighted Kerala’s youthful inventiveness and rich cultural legacy, hosted by the JD Institute of Fashion Technology Cochin, as a Knowledge partner. Emphasizing handloom was the main focus of the three distinct themes that the show presented.  

• Kerala Culture: Exhibiting traditional handloom patterns that draw inspiration from the historical culture of the state itself.
• Military: A modern fashion interpretation that pays tribute to the bravery and discipline of the armed forces.
• Streetwear: Featuring outfits that are eco-friendly and sustainable, and that reflect the vibrant, modern lifestyle of young people living in cities. 

The fashion presentation was a conference highlight, with participants applauding its inventiveness and cultural relevance.

The conference effectively raised awareness about the critical role of intellectual property rights in encouraging entrepreneurial growth in Kerala. The JD Institute’s presence offered a unique dimension to the event, combining the worlds of fashion and intellectual property and demonstrating how creative companies can thrive under strong intellectual property protection.