With innovation and entrepreneurship gaining momentum across India, creating awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) has become increasingly important, particularly among students and young researchers. Recognizing this need, the Ashoka International Centre for Educational Studies and Research (AICESR), Nashik, under the aegis of its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organized an online expert session on "Intellectual Property Rights" on Tuesday.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Abhijit Bhand, Founder and CEO of Kanadlab Institute of Intellectual Property & Research, Nashik, who highlighted the growing significance of intellectual property in today's knowledge-driven economy. Addressing students and faculty members through the virtual platform, Mr. Bhand explained that ideas and innovations have become valuable assets, making their legal protection essential for individuals, educational institutions, startups, and industries alike.
During the session, he introduced participants to the various forms of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and geographical indications, while explaining their practical applications in research, technology, business, and creative industries. Stressing the importance of innovation-led growth, he observed that intellectual property protection not only safeguards inventors' rights but also encourages investment in research and development, promotes commercialization of technologies, and contributes significantly to national economic development.
Speaking on India's rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem, Mr. Bhand encouraged students to view intellectual property as more than just a legal concept. He remarked that every innovative idea developed during academic projects, research work, or entrepreneurial ventures possesses the potential to become a valuable intellectual asset if identified and protected at the appropriate stage. He also emphasized that educational institutions have a crucial role in cultivating an innovation-oriented mindset among students by integrating intellectual property awareness into academic and research activities.
The session also covered practical aspects of the patent filing process, common misconceptions regarding intellectual property protection, and the strategic importance of filing patents and trademarks before publicly disclosing innovations. Participants were introduced to the lifecycle of an invention—from ideation and documentation to protection, commercialization, and technology transfer. Several real-life examples of successful innovations protected through intellectual property were discussed to illustrate how strong IP portfolios can create competitive advantages for individuals and organizations.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed the presentation, during which participants sought guidance on patentability requirements, protection of software and research projects, startup innovations, and career opportunities in the field of intellectual property. The speaker responded to queries by sharing practical insights drawn from his professional experience in patent prosecution, intellectual property management, and innovation consulting.
Faculty members and students appreciated the session for presenting complex legal concepts in a simple and application-oriented manner. The programme witnessed active participation throughout, reflecting the increasing interest among young innovators in understanding intellectual property and its role in transforming ideas into commercially valuable assets.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to Mr. Bhand for delivering an informative and engaging session and reiterated their commitment to conducting similar academic initiatives that bridge the gap between education, innovation, research, and industry. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting intellectual creations in an increasingly competitive global economy.
