By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Speakers at a workshop in Dehradun on Saturday asked students to acquire knowledge of Intellectual property rights (IPR) which they said is an essential requirement during the course of their studies.
Students should also use the advancement in technology and skills especially related to IPR which serve as a safeguard to innovation, they said at workshop in a Dehradun college said on Saturday.
Presiding over a workshop on the subject of “Intellectual Property Rights and Economic Development”, organized by the IPR Cell of Government Post Graduate College, Maldevta (Dehradun), Prof. H.C. Purohit, Dean of the School of Management at Doon University said innovation is a crucial attribute for entrepreneurial development.
Dr Purohit emphasized that in today’s era of science and technology, students must strive to advance in the realms of knowledge and innovation. In this endeavor, teachers play a vital role not only in refining students’ existing knowledge but also in cultivating qualities such as innovation, he said.
Prof. Purohit shed light with detailed examples on various global bodies such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as the various provisions of the TRIPS Agreement. He also provided comprehensive insights into specific IPR categories, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, geographical indications, trade secrets, and industrial designs.
He said scientific temper and creative potential play a significant role in the development of the nation. Highlighting the role of entrepreneurship development and socially beneficial inventions in economic growth, Prof. Purohit said entrepreneurship and scientific research play a pivotal role in the development of any nation. Therefore, this workshop will serve as a catalyst for students, fostering the development of their creative faculties alongside their entrepreneurial skills, he said.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Himanshu Chauhan, Assistant Dean of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (Dehradun), shed detailed light on various disputes related to Intellectual Property (IP) across diverse fields—including music—by citing several intriguing global examples. Illustrating the complexities of IP agreements and legal intricacies, he referenced notable cases such as the disputes involving Reliance Jio, iPhone, and Samsung, as well as the chocolate dispute between Cadbury and Nestlé. He emphasized the need to cultivate the intellectual prowess of the youths.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Anita Tomar, a senior professor at the Rishikesh campus of Shri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University—discussed in detail various facets of Intellectual Property, innovation, and scientific research, drawing upon India’s historical trajectory of inventions. She further established a link between these concepts and the preservation and promotion of Uttarakhand’s 27 Geographical Indicators (GI) Tags and its rich Himalayan heritage. She concluded by noting that Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) serve to safeguard innovation; therefore, acquiring knowledge of IPR is an essential requirement for every student during the course of their studies.
The college Principal, Prof. Vinod Prakash Agarwal said with a view to fostering the creative potential and innovative spirit of the youth, this workshop on Intellectual Property Rights will serve as a guiding force, enabling them to successfully channel their creativity into entrepreneurial ventures in the future.
The workshop was attended by Senior Prof Yatish Vashishth, Prof. Nautiyal, the Coordinator of the IPR Cell Dr. Kavita Kala, Prof. M.S. Panwar, Dr. Suman Singh Gosain, Dr. Dimple Bhatt, Dr. Anita Chauhan, Dr. Uma Panai, Dr. Vinod Shah, Dr. Ramchandra Negi, Dr. Leena Rawat, Prof. Jyoti Khare, Dr. D.K. Rathore, Dr. Ashutosh Mishra, and Dr. Shailendra Singh, along with all the students and faculty members.