WTC Mumbai, AIAI, and WIPO Jointly Host International Webinar on IP Strategy and Global Protection Systems
World Trade Center Mumbai (WTC Mumbai) and the All-India Association of Industries (AIAI), in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva, successfully hosted a high-level international webinar on “Intellectual Property Commercialization, Strategy, and Global Protection Systems.” The programme brought together WIPO experts to provide Indian businesses, MSMEs, innovators, and start-ups with a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage intellectual property (IP) as a strategic asset in an increasingly innovation-driven global economy. The webinar also marked the formal release of WTC Mumbai’s White Paper on Intellectual Property Rights, a knowledge resource aimed at strengthening India’s IP culture, improving industry preparedness, and guiding enterprises on global best practices in protecting and monetising their innovations.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, emphasised that intellectual property is not just a legal requirement but a critical driver of competitiveness, investment, and long-term economic resilience. He highlighted that India has recorded over 80,000 patent filings in 2023–24, the highest in nearly two decades, while trademark applications have exceeded 550,000 annually, placing India among the world’s top five trademark-filing nations, according to WIPO’s World Intellectual Property Indicators 2024. Dr. Kalantri noted that as India moves toward becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, building a strong culture of innovation and IP protection will be essential for MSMEs and start-ups to expand internationally and compete on a level playing field.
Ms. Loreto Bresky, Senior Director, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, WIPO Geneva, presented the strategic importance of IP commercialization and the range of WIPO services designed to support business growth. She explained how structured IP management, licensing frameworks, technology transfer, and global protection mechanisms enable enterprises to transform creativity and research into economic value. She also emphasized the role of platforms such as WIPO GREEN, WIPO PROOF, and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in supporting innovation ecosystems and international collaboration.
Ms. Sarah Nassar, Associate Program Officer, IP for Business Division, WIPO, Geneva. Provided clarity on what qualifies for patent protection, the importance of novelty and inventive step, and the critical role of prior-art searches. Ms. Nassar highlighted that patents not only safeguard technological advancements but also increase enterprise valuation, attract investors, and create long-term competitive differentiation. She urged Indian businesses to adopt structured IP planning from the earliest stages of research and product development.
Ms. Anjali Aeri, Counsellor, PCT International Cooperation Division, WIPO Geneva, focused on how applicants can benefit from the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), a system that allows innovators to seek patent protection in over 150 contracting states through a single international application. She explained the step-by-step process of the PCT system, its cost efficiencies, and its strategic advantages, particularly for MSMEs and start-ups with aspirations for global market entry. India’s participation in the PCT continues to strengthen, with over 3,000 international applications filed by Indian residents in the latest year, reflecting a growing global orientation among Indian innovators.
Mr. Olivier Pierre, Associate Public Education Officer, Madrid Information and Promotion Division, WIPO Geneva, delivered a detailed session on the Madrid System for the International Registration of Trademarks. He highlighted how the Madrid System enables Indian brands to secure trademark protection in over 130 countries through a single application, filed in one language and supported by one consolidated set of fees. He emphasised that this mechanism has become an indispensable tool for businesses aiming for international expansion, greater global brand visibility, and streamlined rights management across multiple jurisdictions.
Mr. David Simmons, Counsellor, Division for Asia and the Pacific, WIPO Geneva, commended WTC Mumbai and AIAI for strengthening the IP ecosystem in India through sustained training, knowledge dissemination, and industry engagement. He affirmed WIPO’s commitment to supporting the Asia-Pacific region and encouraged Indian enterprises to take full advantage of global systems like the PCT and Madrid Protocol to protect their innovations and brands worldwide.
An interactive Question & Answer segment was held, where participants engaged with WIPO experts on practical issues related to patent drafting, IP valuation, timelines for international applications, enforcement, and strategies for global brand expansion. The discussions provided actionable clarity for businesses navigating complex IP landscapes, especially those preparing for cross-border operations.
The launch of WTC Mumbai’s White Paper on Intellectual Property Rights underscored the institution’s commitment to promoting a robust IP culture and empowering Indian businesses with strategic insights, global frameworks, and practical tools for safeguarding innovation. The webinar concluded with a shared conviction that intellectual property will play a defining role in driving India’s technological transformation, export competitiveness, and long-term economic growth.