The Department of Intellectual Property (DoIP), Ministry of Economic Affairs met with the management and focal officers of the College of Science and Technology (CST) at Phuentsholing on December 5, 2017 and the Jigme Namgyal Engineering College (JNEC) at Deothang on December 8, 2017 to discuss on the establishment of Technology Innovation Support Centers (TISCs). The objective of the meeting was to seek collaboration and support from the CST and JNEC to carry out national interest analysis study on the TISCs in line with the Rule of Procedures for Treaty Making 2016. The visit was also to discuss the future plan of action on the TISCs related works. The national interest analysis study on the TISCs is one of annual targets of the DoIP.

In addition, as part of the awareness building program of the DoIP, the team conducted awareness workshops on intellectual property for the businesses, cooperatives and associations, and local government officials at Lhuentse, Mongar and Trashigang Dzongkhags on December 11, 13 and 15, 2017 respectively. More than 400 participants in total attended the workshops. The objective was to create awareness on intellectual property through presentations on Patent, Industrial Design and Trademark followed by discussions and responding to questions from the participants. The team also interacted with local government officials and received feedback and suggestions on the workshop to help the DoIP to better plan awareness programs on intellectual property in the future. During the program, short audiovisual spots on intellectual property were screened and copies of brochures were distributed.

The team also visited Gangzur and Khoma villages to conduct a preliminary profiling on intellectual property with regard to pottery making and Kishuthera weaving by disturbing and collecting data on the questionnaires that was prepared for this purpose. It was aimed to provide information and understanding of associated traditional knowledge and skills, protection of geographical indications and the potential of promoting collective marks in the country. These subject matters have been proposed in the draft National Intellectual Property Policy and under the draft revision of intellectual property laws of 2001.