Week long celebration to mark World IP Day In India!

The Motion Picture Dist. Association (MPDA) joined the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) - IP Rights division, reputed law firm Anand& Anand, U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai, and the American Center, New Delhi, to celebrate World IP Day (April 26) and raise awareness on how protecting IP rights helps promote creativity and innovation in the motion picture industry and supports a viable environment for the next generation of creative filmmakers.

The week-long celebrations in Mumbai and Delhi included student debate competitions, participation in conferences, prizes for quiz competitions and screening of films.

The celebration started on 24th April in Delhi with a press conference by Anand & Anand to share insights on online piracy and tackling IP issues in new media followed by a screening of film on plagiarism on 26thApril for students in Mumbai and a screening of film ‘Django Unchained’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jammie Fox at American Centre in Delhi on 27thApril for over 150 guests including Government of India officials, The US Embassy and students from various universities in Delhi.

Uday Singh, Managing Director MPDA (India) said, “While India is the world’s largest producer of films, it also ranks among the top ten markets in the world for online content theft. As we celebrate and encourage innovation in the creative arts on World IP Day, Government and stakeholders need to unite to build a robust regulatory environment and law enforcement tools that support an internet that works for everyone. Only then will our young creative generation be able to have their valuable work protected and achieve their full potential.”

“IP is key to protect creativity and innovation. In the interest of future generations, we need to initiate discussions and ideas on a common platform where all stakeholders benefit. We are thankful to Motion Picture Association for extending their support to world IP Day celebration this year," said Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI

“Students are the architects of the future of innovation. Our World IP Day celebrations with the support of the MPDA (India) aims to increase student understanding and respect for intellectual property, while encouraging a culture of nurturing and protecting creative ideas," added Peter Haas, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General.

While Judy Reinke, Minister- Counselor for Commercial Affairs said, “The U.S. Embassy is pleased to recognize World IP Day, since intellectual property protection is the cornerstone of innovation and creativity.”