#Delhi registry-cum-bench of IPAB inaugurated

New Delhi, Aug 31 (PTI) Delhi registry-cum-bench of Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) was inaugurated today by Delhi High Court Chief Justice G Rohini who said that it would help in improving efficiency and effectiveness of IPR cases in the capital.

“IPAB was set up in 2003 with its headquarters in Chennai and took some time to gain momentum because of vacant positions in the board. In our country, protection of IPR is needed and government has been working towards securing rights of innovators and creators,” Justice Rohini said in her address at August Kranti Bhawan here.

The function, which was to be presided by Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (independent charge) for Commerce and Industry, proceeded in her absence as she could not attend it due to personal commitment.

Lauding the setting up of the registry in Delhi, IPAB Chairman Justice K N Basha said, “It is a milestone in the history of IPAB and we hope to accomplish more and reduce the backlog of IPR cases here.”

Among the dignitaries on dais was Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Amitabh Kant who stressed on the importance of IPR protection, saying, “An effective IPR system promotes invention, strengthens confidence in investors and contributes to achieve the Make in India goal. We have to make India job creator, not seeker.”

In her felicitation address, senior advocate Pratibha M Singh said Delhi has maximum number of filings of IPR cases which are pending and this board would help increase the rate of their disposal.

The IPAB will adjudicate matters relating to IPR including patents, trademarks etc. The function will be like that of any tribunal hearing cases specific in this field of law.

Supreme Court judges Justices FYI Kalifulla, MY Eqbal, C Nagappan and former Delhi High Court Chief Justice D Murugesan attended the event.