As part of its continued efforts to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship among young technologists, DRIEMS Polytechnic (Autonomous), Odisha, invited Abhijit Bhand, Intellectual Property Consultant and Registered Indian Patent Agent, to deliver an expert session on "IPR Basics for Innovators and Entrepreneurs." The online programme was organized by the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) and brought together students and faculty members interested in understanding the role of intellectual property in transforming ideas into successful innovations.
Recognized as one of Odisha's leading autonomous diploma institutions, DRIEMS Polytechnic has consistently encouraged students to pursue research, innovation, and entrepreneurship through initiatives such as its DPRISE Pre-Incubation Centre. The session formed part of the institute's broader vision of equipping aspiring innovators with the knowledge and practical tools required to navigate the intellectual property landscape.
The lecture focused on introducing participants to the fundamentals of intellectual property rights while demonstrating how IP protection can become a strategic advantage for innovators, startups, and technology-driven enterprises. Mr. Bhand explained the significance of patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and trade secrets, highlighting the circumstances in which each form of protection becomes relevant during the innovation journey.
Moving beyond legal concepts, the discussion explored the practical challenges commonly faced by first-time innovators. Participants learned how premature disclosure of an invention can affect patentability, why documenting research activities is important, how ownership of intellectual property should be managed in collaborative projects, and how startups can integrate intellectual property planning into product development from the very beginning.
The session also emphasized that effective IP management is not merely about obtaining registrations but about creating valuable intangible assets capable of attracting investment, enabling commercialization, and strengthening long-term business competitiveness.
Drawing from his professional experience of advising innovators, startups, and academic institutions, Mr. Bhand shared practical examples illustrating how intellectual property has become an essential business tool in today's knowledge-driven economy. The discussion encouraged participants to view innovation through both technical and commercial perspectives, reinforcing the importance of protecting original ideas before entering the marketplace.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed the presentation, with participants engaging in discussions on patent filing procedures, trademark strategy, protection of student innovations, technology commercialization, and government support available for innovators and startups. The active participation reflected the growing interest among students in understanding intellectual property as an integral part of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Institution's Innovation Council at DRIEMS Polytechnic deserves appreciation for organizing a programme that addressed one of the most important aspects of the innovation ecosystem. By creating opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals and intellectual property experts, the institution continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering an environment where creativity, research, and entrepreneurship can thrive.
Through engagements with universities, incubation centres, innovation councils, and research institutions across India, Abhijit Bhand continues to contribute towards enhancing intellectual property awareness among emerging innovators. His expert sessions are designed to bridge the gap between intellectual property law and its practical application, enabling researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to make informed decisions that protect and maximize the value of their innovations.
