On 25 September, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 'Make in India' campaign and its logo. A silhouette of a lion on the move, made of cogs, symbolizing manufacturing and strength is the logo of 'Make in India'. The government had "strictly prohibited" use of the 'Make in India' logo without its prior permission. The "Make in India" Logo and other related proprietary material are valuable assets of DIPP.

The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Government of India, on July 21, 2015, issued Guidelines for permitting the use of 'Make in India' logo. According to the Guidelines, by using "Make in India" Logo, in whole or in part, the user is acknowledging that DIPP is the sole owner of the trademark and promising that user will not interfere with DIPP's rights and will not harm, misuse, or bring into disrepute the "Make in India" Logo.

Accordingly, the policy for the use of the Logo by various Government/ Semi-Government/ Private Authorities has been approved by the competent authority in DIPP outlining the various guidelines for it:

1. Use of "Make in India" Logo will be allowed without any permission for the following categories:-

(i) All establishments, offices and officers of the DIPP, Government of India.

(ii) All Central Government Ministries/ Departments and Departments of State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations for use in programmes directly organized by them.

2. For the following events, use of the "Make in India" logo may be allowed with prior approval of the DIPP, Government of India:-

(i) All Central Government Ministries/ Departments/Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Departments of State Governments/ UT Administrations for programmes conducted in association with industry bodies like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)/ Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)/Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM)/Progress, Harmony and Development Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) etc.

(ii) All the events for which financial support is extended by the DIPP, Government of India.

(iii) For a specified period, for events organized by private bodies that promote the 'Make in India' initiative.

3. Use of 'Make in India' logo by Indian Embassies/Missions abroad

The use of 'Make in India' logo by Indian Embassies/Missions abroad will be permissible for events, brochures, publicity material and advertisements that promote the 'Make in India' initiative and are sponsored/supported by the Embassies/Missions.

4. Use of logo for Events, Publications, Websites / Portals

(i) Permission for use of the 'Make in India' logo for categories covered by paras 2 & 3 above would be considered on merit of the case, with particular emphasis on the following:

(a) nature and importance of the event

(b) profile / track record of the organisers

(c) profile of participants and delegates

(d) other deliverables offered by way of exhibition space at the venue, distribution of DIPP's publicity material in the delegate kits, etc.

(ii) Requests for use of the 'Make in India' logo on publications, websites / portals would be considered only if the publications, websites / portals are related to approved sectors under 'Make in India'. Such requests would be considered on merit of each case.

(iii) Requests for use of the 'Make in India' logo by individuals would be considered if such requests promote the 'Make in India' cause. Such requests would be considered on merit of each case.

5. Use of logo for programmes on Electronic Media

(i) Requests received for use of the 'Make in India' logo for programmes on electronic media, such as debates, discussions or any other would be considered on merit of each case, keeping in view the following:

(a) nature of the programme

(b) profile/track record of the producers of the Programme

(c) target audience

(d) contents of the programme and inclusion of manufacturing related content in the programme

(e) extent to which the programme would help in increasing awareness about approved sectors under "Make in India" as well as the culture and heritage of the country.

PROCEDURE

The Government of India has also provided the procedure for grant of permission for the use of 'Make in India' logo. For certain grants, the Committee (as constituted for the purpose by the government) would examine the requests and obtain the approval of Secretary (DIPP). For any other purpose, it would be considered on the basis of merit of each case, keeping in view the visibility, impact and the extent about manufacturing or its related aspects by the Committee constituted.

The applicants should submit their applications for use of 'Make in India' logo in the format as provided under the guidelines.

Permission accorded by the DIPP, Govt. of India, for use of the 'Make in India' logo would be subject to:

(i) The right of the DIPP to withdraw permission for use of the 'Make in India' logo by giving sufficient notice.

(ii) The right of the DIPP to view the proposed design and layout of 'Make in India' logo usage, prior to finalization of the same.

CONCLUSION

The detailed guidelines regarding the use of the logo 'Make in India' has brought about clarity among the users of the logo i.e. by various ministries, departments, states, private authorities and electronic media, among others.. Also, the one seeking permission for its use has to simply apply to the DIPP in the prescribed format for the application.

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