The Center for Intellectual Property, Competition, and Dispute Settlement Mechanism Studies (CICODS), together with the Center for Legal Consultation and Assistance (PKBH), in collaboration with TVRI Yogyakarta, organized a legal outreach event titled “Raising Legal Awareness and Protecting Intellectual Property Rights for MSMEs: Strategies for Utilizing Intellectual Property Rights as Economic Assets and Competitive Advantages.”
This event was recorded on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the TVRI Yogyakarta station for the Pro Justicia program, and will air on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. WIB. Speakers included Evy Setyowati Handayani, S.H., M.H., Head of the Legal Services Division at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights for the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY); Prof. M. Hawin, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D.; and Dina W. Kariodimedjo, S.H., LL. M., Ph.D., from the Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (UGM).
The theme of this outreach session stems from the low level of legal awareness among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) regarding the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection. In an economy driven by innovation and creativity, IPR not only serves as a legal instrument to protect creative works, trademarks, and inventions, but also holds strategic value as an economic asset that can enhance business competitiveness and sustainability.
In her presentation, Dina W. Kariodimedjo explained the various types of IPR that MSMEs need to understand and utilize—ranging from trademarks and industrial designs to copyrights—so that every form of creativity and innovation can receive appropriate legal protection. Prof. M. Hawin then highlighted the importance of strengthening research and development (R&D) in business operations. This step is considered crucial so that MSMEs are not only able to survive in the domestic market but can also compete sustainably in international markets through highly competitive innovations.
In this regard, Evy Setyowati Handayani added that the Yogyakarta Regional Office of the Ministry of Law is ready to assist SMEs wishing to register their intellectual property. This support is provided through a proactive approach with easily accessible, free services, aimed at encouraging more business owners to secure legal protection for their works and innovations.
This outreach program is one way the UGM Faculty of Law demonstrates its commitment to fulfilling the three pillars of higher education, particularly in the area of community service. Through collaboration with government agencies and public media, this initiative is expected to expand the reach of legal education to the public in a more inclusive manner. In addition to providing practical insights into intellectual property rights (IPR) protection mechanisms, this outreach program also reinforces the awareness that the registration and management of intellectual property are crucial steps in building a fair and sustainable economic ecosystem.
Furthermore, this outreach program is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, this initiative supports Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by enhancing the legal capacity of MSME operators so they can leverage intellectual property rights to expand their markets and increase the value added of their products. Second, this initiative aligns with Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as it helps foster innovation and creativity grounded in robust legal protection. Third, this initiative also supports Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by improving the public’s legal literacy and expanding access to fair protection of rights.
Through this initiative, the UGM Faculty of Law hopes to raise legal awareness among the public—particularly MSME operators—so that they can effectively identify, protect, and manage their intellectual property. Thus, IPR protection becomes not merely a legal instrument but also a foundation for inclusive, innovative, and sustainable economic growth.
Author: Raihan Khrisna Amalia (CICODS)
