Universities Urged to Embrace Intellectual Property Rights: Conference Highlights
Hyderabad March 06
In a recent conference held at Horticultural College in Mojerla, Wanaparthi district, speakers emphasized the pivotal role of universities as centers of intellectual property rights (IPR). Organized jointly by Telangana State Horticultural University IPR Cell and Telangana State Council of Science and Technology, the seminar shed light on the importance of integrating patent and copyright considerations into academic and research endeavors.
Experts in intellectual property rights underscored that every facet of daily life is intricately linked to some form of intellectual property right. They emphasized that researchers and students stand to prosper in the competitive landscape by actively engaging with patent and copyright issues. Notably, they highlighted the abundance of opportunities for obtaining patents, ranging from everyday items like pencils to sophisticated technologies like airplanes.
Dr. M. Rajasekhar, Dean of Horticulture at Telangana State Horticultural University, emphasized the need for leveraging creativity in research to address challenges faced by farmers. Dr. Rajasekhar outlined the university’s future focus on geographical identification for horticultural crops, paving the way for potential patents and geographical indications in Telangana.
During the event, Mr. Subhajit Saha, Head of Legal and IPR at Resolute Group, delivered a keynote lecture on Geographical Indications (GI) in Telangana state and copyrights. He highlighted the significant profit margins—up to 30% higher—realized by products and crops with GI recognition. Additionally, Mr. Saha emphasized the untapped potential for GI registration in several horticultural crops, urging collaboration between universities, farmers, and government entities for data generation and application.
Dr. Radhika Vangala, Project Scientist at Telangana State Council of Science and Technology, provided insights into patentable inventions, non-patentable subject matter, and the Indian patent system. Dr. Vangala also elucidated the procedures and fees involved in patent applications.
Further enriching the seminar, Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, Associate Dean of College of Horticulture and University IPR Cell Nodal Officer, elaborated on horticultural crops eligible for geographical identification recognition in Telangana. He detailed their characteristics, cultivation areas, geographical conditions, and the process of registering germplasm with relevant authorities.
The event witnessed active participation from university officials, faculty members, research scholars, and students, totaling 150 attendees. It served as a catalyst for fostering greater awareness and collaboration in harnessing intellectual property rights for the advancement of horticultural practices in Telangana.
