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Supported by the evolving patent requirements, the Indian Patent System stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to nurturing innovation, safeguarding intellectual property rights, and driving progress in the modern era.
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) recently hosted a national workshop in commemoration of World Intellectual Property Day.
Under the theme “IP and SDGs: Innovating for a Shared Future”, the workshop aimed to shed light on the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future.
Held at the seminar hall of CSIR-NIScPR S.V. Marg campus, New Delhi, the event brought together over 250 school students and featured presentations from five distinguished innovators who were honoured for their contributions to technology and entrepreneurship.
The workshop also provided a platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs to share their inspiring journeys and showcase the transformative potential of creativity and innovation in driving sustainable development. The active participation of school students further underscored the importance of instilling awareness about intellectual property and its role in shaping the future.
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), a constituent laboratory under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, remains dedicated to advancing science communication, policy research, and scientific awareness among the public, contributing significantly to India’s intellectual landscape and fostering a culture of innovation and progress.
Dr Kanika Malik, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-NISCPR and the workshop’s coordinator delivered a comprehensive introduction to Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), stressing the significance of safeguarding innovations for national development and encouraging students to explore career opportunities in this domain.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, reflected on India’s historical prowess as an economic powerhouse and outlined aspirations to reclaim its former glory by fostering domestic technological innovation. She underscored CSIR’s pivotal role in protecting India’s intellectual heritage, citing notable victories such as the challenge against the patenting of turmeric and basmati rice in the United States.
In his keynote address, Prof. Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM), emphasised the indispensable role of intellectual property in achieving SDGs and nurturing a culture of innovation. Highlighting India’s remarkable progress in scientific achievements, he underscored the importance of initiatives like the National IP Awareness Mission in fostering IP awareness and education.
The Indian Patent System, tracing its origins to the mid-19th century, has undergone significant evolution to meet the changing needs of innovation and intellectual property protection. Initial legislation aimed to incentivise inventors by granting exclusive privileges to new and useful manufacturers, setting the stage for subsequent advancements in patent law.
Subsequent consolidations and amendments further refined the framework, emphasising the importance of protecting inventions and fostering indigenous technological advancements. Post-independence committees reformed the patent system, resulting in the pivotal Patents Act of 1970. Subsequent amendments further strengthened it, aligning with global standards and fostering innovation and economic growth.
The launch of the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) under the Government’s “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” initiative aims to educate 1 million students across India about intellectual property rights. This initiative seeks to nurture a culture of creativity and innovation among higher education students and inspire college/university students to innovate and protect their creations.
The government of India recognises the crucial role of a strong intellectual property rights (IPR) ecosystem in national development, highlighting how IPR empowers individuals to become “job creators rather than job seekers”. India is committed to actively promoting awareness of intellectual property to foster an environment conducive to nationwide innovation and creativity.
