Protecting Innovations: Understanding IPR – Seminar

On July 30th, 2025, the IQAC, IIC, and the Department of Microbiology jointly organized a seminar titled “Protecting Innovations: Understanding IPR” at the Mini Seminar Hall, Annai Violet Arts and Science College.

The resource person, Dr. S. U. Mohammed Riyaz, Assistant Professor, PG & Research Department of Biotechnology, Islamiah College, provided an insightful overview of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and their role in safeguarding innovations. He explained that IPR serves as a legal framework to protect the intellectual creations of individuals and organizations.

The lecture covered several key areas:

• Patents: Definition and scope; criteria for patentability including novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
• Copyright: Its importance in academic and creative domains.
• Trademarks: Their role in establishing brand identity. He also explained the significance of design registration in protecting the appearance of products.
• • Trade Secrets: As a strategy to maintain competitive advantage.
  • Geographical Indications: Illustrated with Indian examples like Darjeeling tea and Kanchipuram silk.

  Dr. Riyaz strongly encouraged students and researchers to patent their innovative projects. He emphasized that IPR fosters entrepreneurship, facilitates technology transfer, and supports the commercialization of ideas, making the session highly informative and impactful.