In an effort to promote awareness about intellectual property among future business professionals, Ashoka Business School, Nashik, organized an online expert session on "Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)" for its MBA students. The programme aimed to familiarize participants with the significance of protecting innovation, creativity, and business assets in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy.
The keynote session was delivered by Mr. Abhijit Bhand, well-known Intellectual Property Rights expert and Founder & CEO of Kanadlab Institute of Intellectual Property & Research, Nashik, who addressed the growing challenges faced by innovators in protecting their intellectual assets. Referring to the rapid pace of technological advancement and digital transformation, he observed that ideas have become one of the most valuable forms of capital in the modern economy. However, without adequate legal protection, innovative concepts, creative works, and technological developments remain vulnerable to imitation and unauthorized commercial exploitation.
During his presentation, Mr. Bhand explained the concept of intellectual property and introduced participants to its major forms, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and geographical indications. He elaborated on the purpose of each category and discussed how businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs, and creators can utilize these legal mechanisms to safeguard their innovations while establishing competitive advantages in the marketplace.
Highlighting the relevance of intellectual property in business strategy, he emphasized that intellectual property is no longer confined to legal departments but has emerged as a critical business asset. Strong intellectual property portfolios, he noted, not only protect innovations from infringement but also enhance brand value, attract investors, facilitate technology transfer, generate licensing revenue, and contribute to long-term organizational growth. He encouraged MBA students to recognize intellectual property as an integral component of business planning, innovation management, and entrepreneurial success.
Addressing the contemporary business environment shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Bhand explained how the global race for vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and medical technologies demonstrated the strategic importance of patents and other intellectual property rights. He observed that intellectual property has played a pivotal role in encouraging research and development by providing innovators with incentives to invest substantial resources into developing breakthrough technologies. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of balancing innovation incentives with public interest through responsible intellectual property policies.
The session also focused on practical aspects of protecting intellectual property in the digital era. Participants were informed about the risks associated with public disclosure of innovations before filing for protection, unauthorized copying of digital content, trademark misuse, and infringement of creative works. Mr. Bhand stressed that entrepreneurs and startups should integrate intellectual property protection into their business strategies from the earliest stages of product development rather than treating it as a post-commercialization activity.
Using practical examples and real-world case studies, the speaker illustrated how patents, trademarks, and copyrights have helped businesses build market leadership and establish sustainable competitive advantages. He also explained how geographical indications contribute to protecting products with unique regional identities while preserving traditional knowledge and supporting local economies.
The interactive session witnessed enthusiastic participation from MBA students, who actively engaged in discussions on patent filing procedures, startup innovations, commercialization strategies, and the practical application of intellectual property rights in business management. The programme succeeded in bridging the gap between legal concepts and their practical implications for future managers and entrepreneurs.
The event was organized under the guidance of Dr. D. M. Gujarathi, Director of Ashoka Business School, and Dr. Rupali Khaire, Assistant Director. Dr. Vikas Gatundare coordinated the programme, while MBA student Sejal Sonawane introduced the resource person. The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Bhagyesh Balte, expressing gratitude to the speaker for delivering an insightful and industry-oriented lecture.
The programme reinforced the growing recognition that intellectual property is not merely a legal framework but a strategic driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. As India continues to strengthen its startup ecosystem and innovation landscape, initiatives such as these play a significant role in equipping future business leaders with the knowledge required to protect and leverage intellectual assets effectively.
