Jammu Kashmir in Focus: Piyush Goyal Announces 3-Year Fee Waiver on Sports-Related IP Registrations | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Tuesday highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s growing sporting and industrial potential while announcing a three-year fee exemption on all intellectual property (IP) registrations related to sports.

The announcement came during the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations in New Delhi, even as the Minister felicitated the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team for its historic performance, describing it as a reflection of emerging opportunities and renewed confidence in the region.

The fee waiver, applicable with immediate effect, covers all categories of IP, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, designs, traditional knowledge, and geographical indications. The initiative is aimed at promoting innovation in the sports ecosystem and encouraging wider participation from innovators, students, artisans, and other stakeholders. The government will also extend facilitation support under existing schemes to ease the filing and registration process.

During the event, the Minister honoured the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team for securing a landmark victory after 67 years, including a notable win against eight-time champions Karnataka. The achievement was described as a moment of pride for the region and an inspiration for aspiring athletes.

The Minister noted that the development aligns with ongoing government efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and expand opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. He said investments in infrastructure, along with growth in tourism and industry, are enabling greater youth participation across sectors, including sports.

Highlighting regional strengths, the Minister underscored the significance of the Kashmir willow cricket bat, describing it as a symbol of India’s craftsmanship and intellectual property potential. He noted that it is among the first sports-related products from India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and called for scaling up its manufacturing within Jammu and Kashmir to enhance global reach.

The Minister also advocated the development of sports manufacturing clusters in Jammu and Kashmir and other centres such as Meerut, identifying them as potential hubs for sports goods production. He stressed the need to boost domestic manufacturing of items, including bats, balls, hockey equipment, training gear, and gym equipment, to strengthen local value chains.

Focusing on innovation, he encouraged stakeholders to seek IP protection for new ideas, including emerging sports formats, to ensure value creation and long-term growth. He urged innovators to convert ideas into registered IP assets at an early stage.

Highlighting the economic dimension of sports, the Minister pointed to the significant rise in the valuation of franchise-based cricket teams over the past 18 years, attributing it to innovation and commercial expansion.

Referring to international developments, he mentioned the recently signed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and noted the milestone of 100 years of sporting ties between the two countries. He said India’s expanding network of trade agreements is opening new avenues for innovators and businesses.

The Minister also launched the “Viksit Bharat Digital Matrix 2026 – Design Hackathon,” a six-month initiative organised by DPIIT in collaboration with IIT Delhi, focused on developing next-generation smart wearable technologies. The programme aims to promote innovation at the intersection of technology, design, and intellectual property.

He further highlighted India’s sporting ambitions, including cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics and the country’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, while encouraging greater participation of youth, including from Jammu and Kashmir, on international platforms.

Emphasising sports as both a tool for physical well-being and an economic driver, the Minister noted the growing scale of sports viewership and the rapid adoption of new formats in India. He also referred to the proposed Sports Policy 2025, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and promoting sports at the grassroots level.

Calling for increased use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds in sports development, he urged expansion of infrastructure, including open gym facilities, particularly in remote areas.

The Minister also advised sportspersons and influencers to exercise caution in endorsements, especially in areas such as nutrition and supplements, to prevent misleading advertising.

The programme featured interactive sessions, including a sports IP quiz, a workshop on sports advertising and endorsements, and a forum on the “Future of IP and Sports” with participation from international IP offices. The Sports Innovation Arena showcased advancements in sports technology, manufacturing, and esports.