The second workshop of the esteemed Rashtriya Boudhik Sampda Mahotsav, organized by the NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (NRDC), in association with the Department Of Scientific And Industrial Research (Dsir) and the Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses, came to a triumphant close on July 14th, 2023, at the prestigious Agharkar Research Institute in Pune, India.
The event witnessed a gathering of enthusiastic participants, who came together to delve into the world of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and explore its multifaceted dimensions. The workshop aimed to foster an understanding of IPR and its significance in promoting innovation and protecting the intellectual capital of the nation.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in a series of stimulating sessions led by experts and seasoned professionals in the field of Intellectual Property. The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including the intricacies of registration procedures, the intricacies of the Indian Patent System, and invaluable insights from Geographical Indication (GI) experts and patentees.
Chief Guest Shekhar Mundada, Director of NRDC, graced the occasion with his esteemed presence. His valuable perspectives and words of encouragement added to the vibrancy of the learning environment. In his address, Mr. Mundada emphasized the critical role of Intellectual Property Rights in fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, not just among large corporations but also among small and medium enterprises.
“The NRDC is committed to promoting research and development in the country, and events like these play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of Intellectual Property Rights. By protecting our intellectual capital, we can encourage more innovators to come forward and contribute to the growth of our nation,” stated Mr. Shekhar Mundada.
In his address at the workshop, Mr. Dr. Sanjeeva Kumar Majumdar, Senior Manager of NRDC, emphasized the organization’s commitment as a One-Stop solution for all technology requirements. He stated, “NRDC is a One-Stop solution for all your technology requirements—whatever you are making, creating from your creativity—that we market, and we bring it to the industry. That is our job.”
Mr. Majumdar further highlighted NRDC’s significant contributions, stating, “We have a lot of schemes with us at NRDC. Pan India, we have about 5000 plus technology we are in association with, about two thousand 500 technologies we have admission for, and about 450 awareness programs we have organized. We have filed about 2,000 patents for academia researchers and even from individuals.”
The workshop offered an opportunity for participants to understand the nuances of Intellectual Property Rights and how they can harness their potential to safeguard their innovations and creations. It also sheds light on the process of securing patents, trademarks, and GI tags, providing clarity on the legal and regulatory aspects associated with Intellectual Property.
Throughout the sessions, participants were encouraged to ask questions, share experiences, and exchange ideas, leading to a robust learning atmosphere. Entrepreneurs, researchers, and individuals involved in creative pursuits found the event to be a valuable resource in navigating the world of Intellectual Property and protecting their unique ideas.
One of the participants, Ritu Sharma, a young innovator from a startup, shared her experience, “This workshop was an eye-opener for me. I had some doubts regarding patent registration, but the expert sessions cleared all my confusion. Now, I feel more confident about safeguarding my innovation and turning it into a successful business venture.”
The success of the workshop highlights the growing awareness and interest in Intellectual Property Rights in India. It reflects the determination of the NRDC, Dsir, and the Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses in fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and creativity.
As the workshop came to an end, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and understanding of Intellectual Property Rights’ role in fostering a culture of innovation. With such initiatives, India takes a significant stride towards becoming a hub of innovation and intellectual capital, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.
