Patchwork - An Integral Craft of India

By Keshav Kaushik

India, the land of diverse cultures, of diverse customs, of diverse languages and habits, and of diverse arts and crafts, yet united together by a single bond, its cultural richness, its art and craft, known to the world since ages. Patchwork, a sibling of the rich handcraft and art of the Indian subcontinent.

Also known as piecing, patchwork involves joining together pieces of fabric into a larger design. Patches of various shapes and colors lead to the making of a larger design, usually based on repeat patterns. Patchwork, one of the primary construction techniques of quilting, is often combined with appliqué. Basic geometric shapes are usually used in the making of most of the patch work items which need precise joining so that it lies without puckers.

Patch work in India is mainly associated with the westernmost states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, though Punjab and Orissa also practices this craft. Various coloured and patterned fabrics of different shapes and sizes are together on a plain background. An important feature characterizing Indian patchwork is that the stitches of the patches are not hidden but are done with jazzy shades which get highlighted, adding a more artistic appeal.

Making its way to India from Europe and Arabia, patchwork in an important craft in the country now, creating a unique art making dramatic use of colour. Gujarati patchwork items are the most well known ones. Highly ornamented with motifs, the magical spell of patch work items lies in the contors of each individual. Glaring motifs of trees, birds and animals in bold colors can be seen in each patchwork item - shaped patches sewn unto cotton cloth.

Expressing the stark monotony of the engulfing deserts, the patchwork items of the westernmost states of Gujarat and Rajasthan reveal the imaginations and innovations of the craftsman. Bold and beautiful, created with warmth and artistry, patch work still remains the integral art of the western states.

From patchwork quilts and bedcovers to patchwork wall hangings , runners and cushion covers, the range of patchwork items is a great one. When used in the making of a quilt, the large colorful composite patchwork becomes the top of a three layered quilt, the middle layer being the batting and the bottom layer the backing. The patchwork quilts are tinged with warmth and color, an artistic appeal sprinkled all through. A patchwork quilt is a respite from the staid conventional ones.

Patch work bedcovers and patchwork bed spreads are a modern way to give a traditional touch. A karwachauth celebration with a patchwork bedcover becomes more celebrative. A patchwork bedcover would make any festival more celebrative, more colorful.

A newer trend is setting in of using patchwork in decorative items. Patch work wall hangings are a traditional way to add color to every living room. Mounted onto a plain staid background, a patchwork wall hanging looks gorgeous and fashionable.

Take a break from staid leather, black and brown use patchwork cushion covers, an easy way to earn compliments, and approvals for your designer outlook.

indianhandicrafts.co.in

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keshav_Kaushik

Benefits Of Trademark Registration In India

By P.M.George Kutty

In the Indian Union, trademark (brand name) rights arise through use as a trademark. There is no legal requirement to register a trademark. However, there are multiple benefits to having a trademark registered with the Indian Trade Marks Registry (TMR).

Trademark registration is perhaps the most important piece of a company’s intellectual property protection program. Without trademark registration, a company relies solely upon common law rights in the geographic area in which it uses the trademark. Most significantly, without registration, a latecomer may register a mark identical or similar to the company’s mark. This registration by another user may block the expansion of the company’s use of its trademark in other areas or may block the company’s later attempt to register its trademark.

That’s definitely a hard pill to swallow for the company which could have averted these problems with early registration. If the company had registered it prior to the other user, the TMR would have denied the other’s same or confusingly similar trademark. In addition, the company would always have rights superior to the latecomer, and would not be blocked in its expansion plans.

In addition to the above, trademark registration benefits include:

• Trademark registration provides constructive notice of the registration, and defeats a claim that an infringer did not know that the company’s trademark was registered;

• Trademark registration establishes jurisdiction to file a trademark infringement action at plaintiff’s place of business;

• Trademark registration may be the basis for awarding damages;

• Trademark registration establishes the presumptive right of the trademark owner to use the trademark throughout the country;

• The presumptive right can become incontestable with use of the mark within five years and one month;

• Other companies that conduct a trademark search prior to adopting a trademark would most likely NOT adopt a mark closely the same or similar to the company’s trademark;

• A registration on the Trademarks Register can be the basis for the seizure of counterfeit or infringing merchandise; and

• For those companies that wish to expand internationally, the date of registration may be used as the priority date in other countries, if they are a member of an international treaty, such as the Paris Convention.

P.M.George Kutty, Attorney at Law of http://www.pmgip.com