Intellectual Property Rights Crucial for Horticulture Sector Growth: Experts
Hyderabad March 19
“In a bid to bolster the horticulture sector in Telangana, experts emphasize the pivotal role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in driving innovation, economic growth, and farmer prosperity.”
In a recent seminar held at the College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, eminent patent expert Shubhajit Saha emphasized the significant role of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in fostering better employment opportunities and higher income in the horticulture sector. Saha, the head of legal and IPR at Resolute Group, underscored the need to capitalize on patentable inventions in Telangana, urging stakeholders to convert them into intellectual property rights.
The seminar, jointly organized by the Telangana State Horticultural University IPR Cell and Telangana State Council of Science and Technology, shed light on the commercial aspects of intellectual property rights in the horticulture sector, particularly in Telangana. Saha highlighted Telangana’s potential as a hub for intellectual property rights and advocated for concerted efforts towards realizing this potential.
Key topics discussed included the eligibility criteria for Geographical Indications (GIs) of horticultural products in Telangana, the procedure for obtaining GI status, and details of registered GI products thus far. Saha pointed out that products and crops registered for GIs in Telangana have seen a notable increase in profits and market prices, with the potential for additional crops to receive GI recognition.
Dr. M. Rajasekhar, Dean of Horticulture at Horticultural University, emphasized the importance of research creativity in addressing farmers’ challenges at the grassroots level. He urged students, researchers, and professors to focus on finding solutions and transforming research into tangible property rights, with a particular emphasis on GIs and patentable topics.
Phani Kiran of Kotipalli provided insights into the patenting process, emphasizing the necessity of patents for new inventions. Topics covered included trademarks, copyrights, design, and integrated circuits, alongside suitable inventions for patents, associated fees, and application procedures.
Dr. Seenivasan highlighted the importance of protecting India’s wealth, such as turmeric, basmati, and neem products, from exploitation by foreign entities. He stressed the role of intellectual property rights in safeguarding these resources and their medicinal properties.
Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, IPR Cell Nodal Officer, emphasized the pivotal role of universities as centers for intellectual property rights. He encouraged researchers and students to integrate patent and copyright aspects into their academic pursuits, citing abundant opportunities for innovation across various domains.
The seminar also featured insights from Dr. Potaraju Prashanth, Associate Dean of Horticulture College, Dr. T. Suresh Kum, Head of Southern Climatic Region, and other prominent speakers. With active participation from 250 research scholars and faculty, the event served as a platform to foster awareness and collaboration in leveraging intellectual property rights for the growth of the horticulture sector in Telangana.
