Recognition for IPR achievements
Tamil Nadu boosts IPR recognition with new filings and honours: The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) has recognised seven Patent Information Centres (PICs) attached to prominent educational institutions for their contributions in the field of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
These recognitions highlight the growing role of universities and research institutions in innovation protection and technology transfer. Static GK fact: The TNSCST was established in 1984 to promote science, technology, and innovation in the state.
Institutions honoured
The honoured IPR cells include Periyar University (Salem), Mother Teresa Women’s University (Kodaikanal), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (Coimbatore), Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (Chennai), Nehru Group of Institutions (Coimbatore), K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology (Tiruchengode), and Madurai Kamaraj University (Madurai).
This recognition is part of a wider initiative to encourage patent filings, design registrations, and innovation awareness in Tamil Nadu.
Geographical Indication applications
Alongside patent recognition, five new GI applications have been filed from different IPR cells. These applications protect the unique identity and traditional value of local products.
The products include:
- Vandavasi Korai Paai – a mat woven with split culm of grass, filed by Mother Teresa Women’s University
- Kollimalai Palappazham (jackfruit) and Kollimalai coffee – filed by K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology
- Pollachi Thennai Naar (coconut coir) – filed by Nehru Group of Institutions
- Mugavai Kuliyadichan Sivappu Arisi (reddish brown rice variety) – filed by Mohamed Sathak Engineering College
Static GK fact: Geographical Indication (GI) tags in India are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Strengthening innovation ecosystem
The increase in IPR filings reflects the state’s push towards strengthening its innovation ecosystem. Universities are now playing a crucial role in supporting faculty and students to protect their inventions.
Tamil Nadu’s approach integrates research promotion, local product branding, and entrepreneurship support to ensure innovations receive both recognition and market protection.
Static GK fact: India’s first GI tag was granted to Darjeeling Tea in 2004.
Future prospects
With continued support from TNSCST, more institutions are expected to establish active IPR cells. These efforts are likely to boost patent awareness, increase GI registrations, and enhance regional economic development by protecting traditional products.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tamil Nadu boosts IPR recognition with new filings and honours:
| Fact | Detail |
| Total IPR applications in Tamil Nadu | 836 |
| Recognising body | Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology |
| Number of honoured PICs | 7 |
| Key institutions honoured | Periyar University, Mother Teresa Women’s University, TNAU, Hindustan Institute, Nehru Group, K.S. Rangasamy College, Madurai Kamaraj University |
| Number of GI applications filed | 5 |
| Vandavasi Korai Paai | Mat woven with split culm of grass |
| Kollimalai Palappazham | Jackfruit variety from Kollimalai hills |
| Kollimalai coffee | Coffee variety from Kollimalai region |
| Pollachi Thennai Naar | Coconut coir from Pollachi |
| Mugavai Kuliyadichan Sivappu Arisi | Reddish brown rice variety |
| Year TNSCST established | 1984 |
| First GI tag in India | Darjeeling Tea (2004) |
| Governing law for GI in India | Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999 |
