Consumer Protection & IP Services

IPLifecycle-2013A strong intellectual property right (IPR) regime is a critical precondition for enhancing and stimulating economic growth in the country. It facilitates greater investment into the research and development as well as provides means to improve the quality of life of people of the country. IPR not only protects the innovative and creative capacity of competitors and owners of IP rights that supply goods and services, but it also concern itself with the interests of the consumers of those goods and services, directly or indirectly. The existence of such rights is necessary for overall development of society.

The areas of intellectual property that are most relevant for consumer protection are Trade Marks, Geographical Indications and Protection against unfair competition. A trade mark is a sign which is used in the course of trade and distinguishes goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. While, a geographical indication is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory. These IP rights help the consumers in buying quality products and protect them from use of substandard products which may cause health and safety hazards. Thus, the proper operation of IP rights and their enforcement is very important for consumers. Further, it is the core of IP system that people of the country must be protected from unfair competition, that is, from any act of dishonest practice in trade and business.