SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Tuesday announced a three-year fee waiver on all intellectual property (IP) registrations related to sports, covering trademarks, copyrights, patents, designs, traditional knowledge, and geographical indications. The exemption is effective immediately.
Addressing the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations themed “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!”, the Minister said the step aims to promote innovation in the sports ecosystem. He directed that a formal notification be issued immediately and added that facilitation support will also be provided under existing schemes to assist innovators, students, artisans, and stakeholders in securing IP rights.
During the event, the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team was felicitated for their performance, including a historic victory after 67 years and a win against Karnataka. The achievement was highlighted as a significant milestone reflecting the region’s sporting potential.
Goyal said the government’s ongoing efforts in sports development, infrastructure expansion, and economic opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir are enabling greater youth participation in sports and other sectors.
He also highlighted the Kashmir willow cricket bat as a symbol of India’s craftsmanship, noting its Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and called for strengthening its manufacturing base in Jammu and Kashmir to enhance global reach.
The Minister urged the development of sports manufacturing clusters, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Meerut, to boost domestic production of sports goods such as bats, balls, hockey equipment, and fitness gear.
He encouraged innovators to convert ideas into registered intellectual property and reiterated government support for the IP registration process.
Goyal also announced the launch of the Viksit Bharat Digital Matrix 2026 – Design Hackathon, organised by DPIIT in collaboration with IIT Delhi, focusing on smart wearable technology and IP-driven innovation.
He referred to India’s growing sports economy, upcoming Olympic ambitions including the 2036 bid, and the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics. He also highlighted sports policy reforms, CSR participation in sports infrastructure, and the need for responsible endorsement practices in the sports sector.
