Punjabi University holds innovation, intellectual property rights seminar

A seminar titled “Research, Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)” was held at the Punjabi University in Patiala. The event was organised by the IPR chair of the university in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The inaugural session was presided over by Vice-Chancellor (VC) Jagdeep Singh.

The VC emphasised the critical role of IPRs in the domain of research. “In the modern era, the progress of an educational institution is not merely measured by the distribution of degrees but by the volume of original research produced by its scholars and faculty, and how effectively that work is legally protected through patents,” he said. “It is the collective responsibility of educators and researchers to link research with innovation and commercialisation to ensure a tangible social impact.”

Jai Singh Marahar, Managing Director, Marahar Power Controls Pvt Ltd, attended the session as the guest of honour and encouraged students to pursue applied research with commercial potential. He shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, recalling his rise from an electrician and mechanic to a successful industrialist. Jaswinder Singh Brar, Dean of Academic Affairs, discussed the pivotal role of research and new inventions in the nation’s economic development.

DrBalwinderSingh Sooch, Convener of the program, welcomed the experts and participants, while Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Program Coordinator, elaborated on the seminar’s objectives and its relevance for higher education institutions today. Patent attorneys Rahul Taneja and Shaveta Sen provided technical insights into the procedural aspects of obtaining patents, designs and trademarks. More than 200 participants from various departments of the university attended the seminar.