Need of an IP Culture in MSMEs and the role of Intermediaries such as non-profit organisation and NGOs for MSMEs

MSMEs:

Micro, Small and Medium enterprises are independently owned businesses set up with the objective of making reasonable profit on the investment made. Generally, MSMEs are defined on the basis of one or more quantitative parameters such as number of persons employed, the annual turn over, or the level of their investment.

Need of an IP Culture in MSMEs:

MSMEs could help promote innovative new technologies, managerial growth and competitiveness as also, equally, the absorption of technological innovations and exploitation of indigenous research findings.

Most studies undertaken, be they in developed or in developing countries, show that MSMEs in general are not well informed about the potential benefits of using Intellectual Property assets in their business strategy.

All Governments have placed MSMEs high on their list of priorities, and generally provide numerous MSMEs support services. Governments are encouraging and facilitating the MSMEs to make specific use of the Intellectual Property (IP) system to improve their competitiveness in the domestic and global market place.

IP system benefits: provides the-

• mechanism to prevent those who do not have the right over protected new or original knowledge and technology, from using it without prior authorization of its owner(s) thereby preventing ‘free riding’; 
• basis for greater security in developing trust worthy business and customer relationship; 
• documentary evidence needed for resolution of disputes in a fair and transparent manner; 
• IPRs which can play a major role in the areas for increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs. 

Major role of IPRs in the areas for increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs:-

• Acquisition and exploitation of technological innovation;
• Preventing competitors from copying or closely imitating a company’s products;
• Obtaining access to new markets ;
• Acquiring venture capital and enhancing access to finance;
• Enhancing the market value of a company;
• Avoiding wasteful investment in R&D and Marketing;
• Creating a corporate identity 

MSMEs and the IP Strategy:

• Creating an IP culture: creating and implementing an action plan for protecting its business secrets and other innovations that provide it an edge over its competitors; 
• Identification of IP assets (IP audit): to capitalise on the potential benefits of MSMEs IP assets; 
• costs and benefits analysis: making technocrats and staff of MSMEs aware and informed of the costs and benefits of the use of IP system; to decide on foreign filing, one need to consider the likely demand, licensing possibilities, and enforcement difficulties but this decision should be made as early as possible. 
• IP Protection: making policies on acquisition, exploitation, monitoring and enforcement of Intellectual Property; 
• IP commercialisation: assignment or licenses of IPRs to get the best result out of their IP assets in line with their business objectives; may require suitable network partners and joint ventures 
• IP asset management: maintaining the granted IPRs by paying regular annuities; 

Role of Intermediaries such as non-profit organisation and NGOs for MSMEs:

In order to bridge the innovation and technology gap, better access to financing, information and services that facilitates the innovation process has to be provided to MSMEs through intermediaries. An intermediary can do a practically good job of disseminating innovation and technology to its MSMEs clients.

These may intensively involved in MSMEs issues such as capacity building including protection of Intellectual Property Rights and its effective enforcement. It has taken a lead role in raising awareness on IP at the country. These may provides a platform for continuous interactions between industry and the Govt. authorities with a view to provide an interface for the businesses to resolve their procedural issues. It also provides feedback to Government on policy related matters.

SERVICES:

Introduction to IP for Business

Marketing

Commercializing IP

Valuation of IP Assets

IP and Financing

E-commerce

Research and Development

IP Disputes Resolution

Training of Trainers Programs


RESOURCES:

Multimedia

Films

Publications

MSMEs Newsletter

Events

Research

Case Studies

Best Practices

Partners