CU Punjab Organises World IP Day 2026 on Theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”

Bathinda, May 7, 2026: Under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. R. P. Tiwari, the Department of Geology in collaboration with the Institute Innovation Council (IIC), Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab), organised World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2026 on Thursday at the university campus. The programme was organised on the global theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”.
The event featured an expert lecture, panel discussion, and interactive session with students focusing on the importance of intellectual property rights, innovation, and emerging technologies in sports and society.
Prof. Bandana Samant, Head of the Department of Geology, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Jitendra Kumar Pattanaik introduced the programme and highlighted the significance of innovation, intellectual property rights, and the growing role of sports in modern society.
Prof. Monisha Dhiman, President, IIC and Director, IQAC, delivered the keynote address and informed students about various facilities, schemes, and opportunities available at the university to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Preeti Khetrapal, Associate Professor and IPR Cell Coordinator, delivered an expert lecture on the role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in innovation-driven development. She explained how IPR helps protect innovation, generate revenue, and support expansion into global markets. She also elaborated on different forms of intellectual property such as patents, copyrights, industrial designs, geographical indications, and plant variety protection. In addition, she explained the patent registration and drafting process in India.
Following the lecture, a panel discussion was organised with Dr. Akshay Nag, CEO, CUPRDF; Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education; Dr. Preeti Khetrapal; and Prof. Bandana Samant as panellists, while Prof. Jitendra Kumar Pattanaik moderated the session.
During the discussion, Dr. Akshay Nag highlighted the significance of World IP Day and emphasised the importance of protecting personality rights in sports. Referring to personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Cristiano Ronaldo, he explained how intellectual property rights safeguard the identity and commercial interests of sportspersons.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar discussed the importance of physical education and elaborated on the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence in sports. He explained how AI can help predict injuries, improve athlete performance, and transform sports through modern technologies. He also highlighted the expanding career opportunities and economic potential of the sports sector.
Dr. Preeti Khetrapal emphasised that even small innovations and creative ideas can create a meaningful impact on society and contribute significantly to innovation-led development.
Prof. Bandana Samant and Prof. Jitendra Kumar Pattanaik also shared their views on innovation and intellectual property rights. An open interaction session was organised during which students actively participated and interacted with the experts.
The programme concluded with remarks from the panellists emphasising the importance of intellectual property rights, sports technology, innovation, and ethical development in society. The invited experts and faculty members were felicitated during the event. Prof. Jitendra Kumar Pattanaik delivered the formal vote of thanks.