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Workshop on “Make in India: Role of Industry- University Collaboration in creating value”
Intellectual Property Cell, Symbiosis International University
in collaboration with IP Dome, Chennai
The Intellectual Property Cell of Symbiosis International University in collaboration with IP Dome, Chennai, celebrated the World Intellectual Property Day today, the 26th April, 2016 by organizing a workshop on “Make in India: Role of Industry- University Collaboration in creating value” at Symbiosis International University, Lavale.
Workshop began with the lighting of lamp by the dignitaries on the dais including, Dr. Raj Hirwani Head, CSIR Unit for Research & Development of Information Products, Prof. T.C. James, President, NIPO and Former Director, IPR Division Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Ministry of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, Adv. SwapnaSundar, IP Strategist & Patent Agent, MD, IP Dome Strategy Advisors Pvt. Ltd, Mr. T. Mukhopadhyay, Advisor (R&D) Former Executive Director, Cavinkare, Pvt. Ltd., Ms. Dhanya Ramachandran, Patent Analyst, IP Dome, Chennai, Dr.YogeshPatil, Head, Research and Publications SCRI SIU; Member Secretary, IP Cell, SIU and Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Director, SLS, Pune, Dean Faculty of Law, SIU, Chairperson, IP Cell. In his welcome address, Dr. Yogesh Patil, said that the objective behind this workshop is to create awareness of IP.
This was followed by felicitation of guests by Dr. Shashikala Gurpur. In her address Dr. Gurpur delved upon the thematic remarks. She traced the history of world IP Day highlighting upon the works undertaken by World Intellectual Property Organization & its significance for India today in achieving Prime Minister’s bigger objective of Make in India. She also emphasized upon the role that the local universities can play in this endeavor.
Prof TC James spoke on “IPR Issues in Industry - University Collaboration”. He started his address by saying, “IP is a tool and not an end to itself”. He emphasized upon the need to identify Intellectual Property and then effectively implement it for the development of nation. He apprised the audience of the role of University in protecting the I P Rights. He said that we must create knowledge, patent it and thereafter commercialize it to get the exclusive rights and reap the profits. According to him IPR is a tool for commercialization. He lamented over the fact that none of the Indian Universities as of now rank amongst the top 100 patent holders in the world. He cited various examples to explain the concept of commercialization of IPR. He urged the audience to create a cordial ecosystem where protection of IPRs may flourish.
Speaking on “Industry Institute Collaboration- some Personal reflections”, Dr. Raj Hirwani explained the evolution in the role of Universities in the past 30 years from mere centers accumulating basic knowledge to centers of excellence today. Universities today are engaged in innovations encouraging the entrepreneurial culture. He said that we must work towards linking technology with the business strategy. And while doing so, the longtime gestation period, cost and risk should not deter us. He emphasized upon the need to have bigger investments towards R& D. “Scientist keep looking for problems and investors keep looking for solution,” he said.
Speaking on , “University – Industry Collaboration Perspectives- Orientation towards monetization of IP & Brand value or branding of university”, Ms. Swapna Sunder said that the innovation has to comply with the standards irrespective of its size as for people what matters is the relief and not just the new relief. She said that the innovation must balance between the competency and the market requirement. She stressed upon giving due consideration to the global needs as well. She urged the audience to have inter-disciplinary approach in research and follow the trends of industry. She said, “You can’t sell it unless the market finds it interesting. Therefore we must leverage the uniqueness of individuals, target the research and cater according to the need of potential beneficiaries.”
She also emphasized upon the need of branding in deciding the fate of any product including university. “Publication is the best way to get branding,” she said. She added further by saying, “It does not mean that everything patentable must be published”. Elaborating upon the role of brand she said that it eases anxieties and helps in decision making. She advised the audience to interact with the IP cell to understand as to what part of one’s research can be published/ patented. She said, “Monetisation is not an end point. A low cost invention is not necessarily the result of low-cost research- and it may not be the best invention. Sometimes an expensive invention must be made and made accessible to all for better results.” She exhorted the audience to collaborate with outside vendors & designers if their technologies are inferior to that of others. She concluded by saying, “Be the University that you want to be”.
“Any true collaboration can create value as long as it is made optional, nobody wants to file an IP application, but when made a requirement, it is done,” said Dr. Mukhopadyay. Speaking on, Perspectives & Experiences in Collaboration between Industry & academic Institution, he said that there are two important pillars of society, University & Industry. He said University produces knowledge & skills, nurtures competent people and creates talent whereas Industry produces utilitarian goods and beneficial services. He said that we should not ignore the fact that the University research is curiosity driven whereas industry research is utility driven. He further added by saying that we must collaborate for social relevance and technological advantage.
Talking about, “Ownership of IP”, he said that if someone generates IP then he should go in for licensing. He said it will allow the diffusion of invention. He exhorted audience to respect the confidentiality of others rights and ensure that we are not a party to any inadvertent disclosure also. We must teach our students the Non-Disclosure agreements. He emphasised upon the significance of time, cost and constant review in research.
He exhorted the audience to have future oriented collaborations meeting the requirements of industry. He urged the universities to come ahead and forge research collaborations with government and private players. “Industry is looking forward towards industry academia nexus, it’s just for you to grab the opportunity”, he said.
Post-lunch, the technical session began with the discussion by Ms. Dhanya Ramachandran on “Intellectual Property Rights – An Introduction”. She apprised the audience of the various aspects of intellectual property law with various interesting examples. It was followed by a simulation/strategy game on the theme by Ms. Swapna Sundar followed by a debriefing session by her.
At the end Dr. Rupal Rautdesai, Associate Professor, SLS, Pune gave a brief overview of the IP Cell activities and proposed the vote of thanks.
