India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Unveils Fee Waiver for Sports-Related IP Applications for 3-Year Period

Government Announces Three-Year Waiver of Intellectual Property Rights Fees for Sports Sector

The Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on Tuesday announced a significant move to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the sports sector. As part of this initiative, the government has announced a three-year waiver of application fees for intellectual property rights (IPRs) related to the sports sector. This includes patents, trademarks, and designs.

According to the minister, a notification in this regard will be issued by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). This move is aimed at promoting the sports sector and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. The minister made this announcement at the World IP Day 2026 event, which was organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and industry body Ficci.

The IPR application fee currently varies depending on the type and applicant entity. While the fee ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 60,000, the government provides significant discounts for startups and individuals. The minister also announced that the DPIIT has a scheme to provide support for filling applications, making the process easier for applicants.

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The minister emphasized the importance of promoting the manufacturing of sports goods in the country. He suggested that sports leagues register their trademarks to gain better media rights and franchise their products. He also encouraged Jammu and Kashmir to look at ways to boost the manufacturing of these products.

As part of the initiative, the minister felicitated members of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, which has won the Ranji Trophy for the first time in more than six decades. The team, led by Paras Dogra, clinched their maiden Ranji title after holding eight-time champions Karnataka to a draw.

The government will examine the fee waiver after three years. The minister also emphasized the need to promote the manufacturing of sports goods like hockey sticks, balls, and gym equipment in the country. He noted that the government can provide support measures to achieve this goal.

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