SJU hosts online session on IPR for innovators, entrepreneurs

DIMAPUR — The departments of Botany and Management Studies, St. Joseph University (SJU), Chümoukedima, in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), organised a one-day online session on ‘Basics of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and its importance for innovators and entrepreneurs’ on November 18.

Delivering the keynote address, Venkatesh Bharti, founder and director of Vastav Intellect IP Solutions, New Delhi, provided a comprehensive overview of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and its pivotal role in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship, stated SJU in a press release.

Bharti outlined the critical stages of innovation – ideation, innovation, and implementation – and emphasised the importance of protecting intellectual assets through various forms of IPR, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

Drawing from his own experiences and patent examples, he explained the process of filing for IPR and the challenges faced in safeguarding innovations.

“His practical insights were particularly valuable to the aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in the audience,” it stated.

The session also provided a platform for students to better understand how IPR can serve as a valuable tool in establishing and growing businesses, especially for start-ups that often struggle with protecting their novel ideas.

Bharti’s interactive session highlighted the strategic benefits of securing IPR, both for personal protection and for attracting investors. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Akha Khou Stephen, assistant professor in Management Studies, who expressed gratitude to all the speakers and participants for their contributions.

“This session proved to be a valuable learning experience for students and faculty, offering practical knowledge that will help future innovators and entrepreneurs navigate the often complex world of IPR.

“The collaboration between the Department of Botany, Department of Management Studies, and the Institution’s Innovation Council underscores St. Joseph University’s commitment to empowering its students with the skills and insights needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market,” the release added.

Earlier, the session commenced with an inaugural function led by Tolivi Chishi where Dr. K Kumar delivered the welcome address and Tongtikala Kichu, assistant professor, offered invocation prayer. The programme concluded with benediction pronounced by Aching Susanna, assistant professor.

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