November, 2007: The process of harmonization of IP laws through various International treaties and agencies have been greatly successful, in creation of a legal framework, through TRIPs which is binding on all WTO members and through several conventions applicable to members of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). However, what is still lacking is proper administration and enforcement of various IP laws. Government of India has been very proactive in all the three segments namely legislation, administration and enforcement of IP laws. India has complied with all its commitments under TRIPs agreement and has amended all different IP laws including Patent, Trademark, Copyright, Designs, Geographical Indications, etc. It has also given full emphasis for modernization and computerization of all IP administrative offices and is in the process of improving enforcement against IP infringements through police, custom authorities and through Judicial system.

However, there is a gulf of crisis in IP awareness amongst business and industry about their IP rights, IP risk, IP valuation and IP asset management and there remains lot of myths and fallacies in their mind. ITAG has undertaken the pioneer task of IP awareness through various training modules for corporate executives and legal fraternity with the support of its techno-legal skilled manpower. It has also undertaken the responsibility of identifying and making an inventory of inventions with various universities and research institutions and is in the process of building long term tie-up with them for IP commercialization through its noble concept of IP auction and IP broking. It is fully equipped to provide online solution to all types of IP problems including registration and overall IP Asset Management for Patent, Trademark, Copyrights in India and abroad for all its clients throughout the globe by way of knowledge process outsourcing (KPO). Wishing a Happy and Prosperous Dipawali and Seasons Greetings,

--Dr. D. R. Agarwal