The property created with the ingenuity of mind, i.e. Intellectual Property (IP), is a fast-growing field as it plays a vital role in the economic development of a nation. IP knowledge is an integral component of the business sector, as it could be the difference between the company's success and failure. In the academic sector, importance of IP is gaining grounds as the acquisition of IP (copyrights, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, geographical indications, traditional knowledge, layout designs, biodiversity, etc.) boosts not only the image and reputation of the organization/ individual but also brings enormous revenues.
Realizing the potential benefits of IP, the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy was adopted by the Government of India on 12th May 2016. This policy serves as a comprehensive vision document to guide the future development of IPRs in the country. It aims to create a unified framework for all forms of intellectual property, promoting synergy among statutes, agencies, and stakeholders across the IP ecosystem. The policy is designed to align India's IPR ecosystem with global standards while addressing national priorities. It emphasizes a balanced approach to the interests of rights holders with the larger public good, ensuring an equitable IP environment. The policy also focuses on economics and innovation, positioning IPRs as marketable assets and tools for economic growth. On Dec. 21, 2021, the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) was launched by DPIIT, Government of India to create awareness, foundational knowledge about IPR in the educational institutes with the motto 'Creative India Innovative India'.
Developing nations, including India, are not IP savvy. There have been instances where IP ignorant persons had to face the music for using, though unknowingly, IP protected products. Thus, there is a dire need to spread IP awareness amongst the teachers, scientists, researchers and students of universities and colleges to avoid unnecessary litigations. Keeping this concern in mind, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India has introduced a scheme, 'Scheme for Pedagogy & Research in IPRs for Holistic Education & Academia' (SPRIHA) through which it has established Intellectual Property Right (IPR) Chairs in select universities of India. One such Chair is in Panjab University, Chandigarh, established in the year 2019.
Dr. Shamsher S. Kanwar is presently the 'IPR-Chair Professor' at Panjab University, Chandigarh. Prof. Kanwar is a renowned academician, established researcher and educationist in India. He is a former Senior Professor (Biotechnology) who has extensively worked on industrial microbiology/ microbial enzymes, nanotechnology, medicinal chemistry, cytotoxicity assays and biocatalysis.
The IPR Chair has compiled data on the IP courses being taught in UG/ LLB, PG/ Doctoral Program(s) under Faculty of Sciences. IPR-Chair has been regularly organizing lectures, webinars, conferences and workshops for students, researchers, teachers, scientists and public at large. IPR-Chair Office has a collection of ~50 books related to IPR. Professor Rupinder Tewari, the founder IPR Chair Professor has also authored a book entitled 'Mapping of Patents and Publications of Higher Education Institutes and National R&D Laboratories of India'. This book has been highly appreciated by the policy makers.
Recent IPR-awareness programs conducted by IPR Chair
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