DIMAPUR, MAY 28 (MExN): The Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) of St. Joseph University, in collaboration with the Department of Botany, organised an expert talk on the occasion of World Intellectual Property (IP) Day on May 26 to promote awareness on the role of intellectual property rights (IPR) in fostering innovation and sustainable development.
The programme commenced with an inaugural session chaired by Mharhoni C. Tsanglao, Student President of the Department of Botany, and an invocation by PhD scholar Moachila. Dr K Kumar delivered the welcome address, while Dr J Suresh Kumar, IIC Convener, delivered the keynote, stressing the relevance of IP in today’s knowledge-driven economy.
The event featured a talk by Dr P Sivagurunathan, an expert in intellectual property and innovation management from Annamalai University. In his address, Dr Sivagurunathan highlighted the global efforts of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to celebrate World IP Day and explained various categories of IP—patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications (GIs).
He illustrated the value of GI protection with local examples such as the Naga King Chilli and Chakhesang Naga Shawl, and offered practical insights into the patent filing process in India and abroad, including cost structures, timelines, and commercialization strategies.
The resource speaker also warned participants about common patent filing scams, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding innovations. He discussed the role of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) in protecting biological resources and cited the story of Vishalini N.C., India’s youngest patent holder, as a motivational example.
Further, Dr Sivagurunathan touched upon career prospects in IPR, including patent agent examinations and government support schemes like the KIRAN-IPR WOS-C programme for women scientists. An interactive session followed, with participants raising questions on challenges in IP protection, particularly in the sciences.
