New Delhi, April 28: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced a three-year waiver on all sports IP registration fees, covering trademarks, copyrights, patents, designs, traditional knowledge and geographical indications.
The announcement was made at the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations in New Delhi, held under the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!”
The move is aimed at encouraging innovators, students, artisans, startups and sports-sector stakeholders to protect their ideas without the cost burden of registration. Goyal also directed that the notification be issued immediately and said facilitation support would be extended through existing government schemes.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team for its landmark victory after 67 years, including its win against eight-time champion Karnataka. The achievement was presented as a sign of the region’s growing sporting confidence.
Piyush Goyal also placed special focus on the GI-tagged Kashmir willow cricket bat, calling it a symbol of India’s craftsmanship and IP strength. He said its manufacturing should be promoted within Jammu and Kashmir to expand its presence in global markets.
The Minister called for dedicated sports manufacturing clusters in Jammu and Kashmir and Meerut, with greater domestic production of bats, balls, hockey equipment, training aids and gym equipment. He also urged innovators to turn every new sports idea into a protected IP asset.
At the event, Goyal launched the Viksit Bharat Digital Matrix 2026 Design Hackathon, a six-month programme by DPIIT and IIT Delhi focused on smart wearables. The initiative will encourage young innovators to develop practical, design-led products that can be protected through patents and design rights.
The event also covered India’s wider sporting ambitions, including cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics and India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Goyal called for stronger sports infrastructure, greater school-level participation and better use of CSR funds for open gyms and sports facilities in remote areas.
He also cautioned sportspersons and influencers to follow responsible endorsement practices, especially in nutrition and supplements.
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