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Prof. Pardeshi Lal, NU Vice Chancellor, speaking at the inaugural programme of the one-day workshop on “Importance of Intellectual Property Rights in academic institutions” on May 30 in Lumami.[/caption]
Dimapur, June 1 (EMN): Nagaland University (NU), Lumami headquarters organised a one-day workshop on “Importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in academic institutions” on May 30.
Prof. Dipak Sinha, Nodal Officer, IPR Cell and convener of the workshop, briefly highlighted the purpose of the workshop. Pointing out that the field of IPR is quite vast, he said the one-day workshop would be limited to discussions on the patents. He also explained the concept of patents and gave concrete examples from the state, particularly that of Naga King Chilli.
Short speeches were delivered by Dr. T Zarenthung, HoD, Department of Economics; Prof. Sangyu Yaden, Dean, School of Sciences; and Prof. MK Sinha, Dean, School of Social Sciences.
Dr. T Zarenthung dwelt on the history and development of IPR, while Prof. Sangyu Yaden focused on the definition and related aspects of IPR.
Prof. MK Sinha pointed out that the purpose of a University, among other academic activities, is to generate ideas, which in turn is converted into assets. He added that patents obtained by the University would help in national rankings, generation of revenue as well as attracting more funds for research and development.
Prof. Pardeshi Lal, NU Vice Chancellor, congratulated the organizers for making a good beginning and hoped that it will be taken forward. In his address, Prof. Pardeshi Lal dwelt on the history of the evolution of IPR since copyright was granted for the first time in 1474. He also touched upon the Paris Convention of 1883 on patents, trademarks, industrial designs, utility models, service marks, trade names, geographical indications and the repression of unfair competition.
“This international agreement was the first major step taken to help creators ensure that their intellectual works were protected in other countries,” stated Prof. Pardeshi Lal. He pointed out that India acceded to the Paris Convention in 1998.
Highlighting the difference between discovery and invention, he stated that not every discovery can be patented. He pointed out that patents are, in general, granted for inventions that are new and can be put to technological use. He also talked about the process of applying for patents and how patent protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years, from the filing date of the application.
The inaugural programme was followed by two technical sessions.
In the first session, there were two invited talks: “Intellectual property rights with special reference to patents” by Ilika Zhimo, NEIST, Jorhat; and “IP management” by Prof. Purna Baruah, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat.
In the second session too, there were two invited talks: “How to write an Indian patent” by Dr. RL Goswamee, NEIST, Jorhat; “Submission of US patent – An author’s perspective” by Dr. Nurul A Choudhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry.
In the concluding session, Dr. Pranjal Bharali, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, presented a summary of the workshop.
The workshop was organised by the IPR Cell, Nagaland University, in commemoration of 25 years celebration of Nagaland University with a view to creating awareness about IPR among students, research scholars, and faculty of the University and nearby academic institutions.