INTA’s India Global Advisory Council: Fostering a Robust IP Ecosystem in India

India continues to be a driving force in the global economy and INTA’s activities in India remain a key focus for the Association. The India Global Advisory Council (India GAC), established in 2014 as one of the Association’s eight GACs, plays a pivotal role in shaping INTA’s priorities in the country’s intellectual property (IP) landscape. The India GAC performs a critical role in policy matters and provides strategic advice to the Association’s leadership on advocacy, communications activities, and membership growth in India.

Engaging India’s IP Community

The India GAC, comprised of 14 experienced volunteers representing corporate and associate members, has been proactive in fostering engagement with India’s IP community, thereby increasing INTA’s presence and influence in India.

Notably, efforts to enhance membership and expand the Association’s network have yielded impressive results. During the current 2022–2023 Committee Term, INTA secured the highest number of new corporate and associate members with the support of the Council, bringing the total membership from India to more than 200 member organizations. This year, India also saw impressive retention and renewal rates among INTA’s members in the country, which strongly indicates the vibrancy of our domestic IP community.

India’s evolving IP landscape and its impact on innovation and economic growth have made it a focal point for stakeholders worldwide. This was evident during the recent 2023 Annual Meeting in Singapore, where more than 450 registrants from India participated, including distinguished luminaries such as judges from the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court, the Head of India’s IP Office, and a delegation from the Indian Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).

Advocacy and Policy Influence

The India GAC’s impact extends beyond membership growth, with a significant focus on advocacy and policy development. The Council provided essential support in planning and executing the high-level annual delegation visit to India this past March that included events, conferences, and meetings with government officials and stakeholders from the country’s IP community. In March, INTA President Jomarie Fredericks and CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo, along with India and South Asia Consultant Gauri Kumar, held essential meetings with key figures in the Indian judiciary, Indian Customs, India IP Office, Ministry of MSME, and Capacity Building Commission. This delegation visit, like previous ones, generated many new action points and solidified the Association’s prominence in the country.

The India GAC also looks for opportunities to actively shape India’s IP landscape by regularly providing valuable strategic input to the Association’s many policy interventions in the country. INTA’s leading role in responding to critical IP policy developments in India remains unwavering. As India gears up to introduce significant amendments to its IP laws to address emerging challenges and foster a robust IP ecosystem, the India GAC will diligently monitor these developments to advocate for effective laws and policies through INTA.

Knowledge and Development Initiatives

The India GAC has consistently supported INTA’s knowledge and development initiatives in India. The Council supports the planning and execution of several events to promote IP awareness, education, and networking among INTA’s members and other stakeholders. This year, INTA hosted multiple events that covered topics such as IP awareness among artisans and small business owners, women’s roles in innovation and creativity, and the significance of IP in publishing and education. Furthermore, a virtual South Asia Roundtable explored the introduction of IP rights in NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and the Metaverse, attracting a substantial audience. Many receptions were held in advance of INTA’s 2023 Annual Meeting, to give our Indian members opportunities to network and learn from their peers on how to maximize their Annual Meeting experience.

Collaborations and partnerships have been key to INTA’s success in fostering an inclusive and robust IP ecosystem in the region. With the Council’s support and guidance, INTA collaborated with entities such as the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), the Federation of Indian Publishers, the Indian Reprographic Rights Organization, the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office, the U.S. Consulate, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, World IP Forum, and many more. These collaborations have further strengthened the Association’s outreach and knowledge dissemination efforts.

INTA’s achievements in India and its focus on India in the past year have been commendable. By focusing on membership growth, advocacy, policy development, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaborations, the Council has played a crucial role in contributing to the Association’s success. As India’s importance in the global economy continues to grow, a robust IP ecosystem, supported by organizations like INTA, will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future IP trajectory. The India GAC will continue to contribute to INTA’s efforts in all key areas.

INTA India and South Asia Consultant Gauri Kumar supports the Association’s members in India and the South Asia region. In collaboration with staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City and Representative Offices around the world, Ms. Kumar works on the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives throughout the region. To learn more about INTA’s activities in India and South Asia, please contact Ms. Kumar. 

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

© 2023 International Trademark Association