TMI BlogUse of ‘Make in India’ Logo on Products: IPR Infringement & Inaction.X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... Use of ‘Make in India’ Logo on Products: IPR Infringement & Inaction. X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... ement from the Government of India (GoI): 🔷 Introduction Launched in 2014, the 'Make in India' initiative was a major government campaign aimed at transforming India into a global design and manufacturing hub. Its iconic lion logo, made up of cogs/gears, has become synonymous with India's industrial ambitions. However, over time, the unauthorized use of this logo by private entities on ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... products and websites has led to growing concerns around Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) infringement-raising the question: Why is the Government of India not taking stricter action against the misuse of the 'Make in India' logo? 📘 What is the Legal Status of the 'Make in India' Logo? * The logo and wordmark 'Make in India' are registered trademarks under the Trade Marks Act ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... , 1999. * The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry owns the trademark. * Use is governed by strict usage guidelines issued by DPIIT. 🚫 Infringement: What's Happening? Many manufacturers, traders, and even exporters are: * Placing the Make in India logo on their packaging without approval. * Using it in marketi ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... ng material or websites to imply government endorsement. * Selling products abroad under the logo without actual association with the scheme. This creates consumer confusion, undermines trust, and may even damage India's international trade reputation. ⚖️ Legal Implications of Unauthorized Use Under Indian trademark law, such use can lead to: * Cease and desist orders * Finan ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... cial penalties * Civil and even criminal proceedings for wilful infringement Despite this, enforcement remains weak, and many offenders go unchecked. 🧐 Why is GoI Not Taking Action? Here are some probable reasons for the perceived inaction: 1. Lack of Monitoring Mechanism * DPIIT does not currently have an active enforcement wing monitoring logo misuse. 2. Under-Reporting of Infri ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... ngement * Many cases go unreported as businesses and associations don't pursue formal complaints. 3. Ambiguity in Permitted Usage * Some entities claim to use the logo under a belief that it promotes Indian origin, without realizing formal permission is required. 4. Prioritization Issues * Legal enforcement of IPR may be seen as lower priority compared to broader manufacturing or expor ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... t goals. 5. Global Enforcement Complexity * Misuse of the logo overseas (especially in exports) poses jurisdictional hurdles. 💡 What Can Be Done? ✅ Suggested Actions for the Government: * Awareness Campaign: * Educate stakeholders (especially MSMEs and exporters) on the legitimate use of the logo. * Stricter Enforcement: * Task a dedicated DPIIT cell or legal wing to tra ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... ck and prosecute misuse. * Online Surveillance: * Use AI-based tools to monitor e-commerce and brand usage platforms. * Simplify Licensing: * Create a transparent and efficient licensing/permission portal for authorized logo usage. * Industry Collaboration: * Work with chambers of commerce and export councils to spread compliance norms. 🔍 Who Can Use the Logo Legally? Accordi ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... ng to official DPIIT guidelines: * Entities must apply for approval through DPIIT with specific details of use. * The logo should not be modified or stylized. * The logo should not imply government endorsement or partnership unless specifically granted. 🧾 Conclusion: Trust Begins with Authenticity The Make in India logo represents a nation's pride and ambition. Its misuse erodes br ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... and credibility, leads to consumer deception, and dilutes the initiative's power.
The Government must rise to the challenge-not with heavy-handed punishment, but with clarity, outreach, and accountability. After all, national campaigns succeed not just on slogans, but on trustworthy execution.
"Make in India must not become Fake in India."
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