National seminar to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day at Panjab University

Chandigarh, April 26, 2023: DST-Centre for Policy Research, DPIIT-IPR Chair and Department of Computer Science & Applications at Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh in collaboration with Knowledgentia Consultants, New Delhi a women cofounded law firm organized a national seminar to celebrate the World Intellectual Property Day on Wednesday at Panjab University, Chandigarh. The theme of the event was “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”. The event aimed to bring together eminent people in society including domain experts, members of academia and key stakeholders on a common platform for understanding the role, contribution and challenged women face in the field of IP.  Prof. Kashmir Singh, Coordinator, DST-Centre for Policy Research, Panjab University, Chandigarh welcomed all the guests.

Registrar of the Panjab University, Chandigarh Prof. Y.P Verma inaugurated the event and mentioned about contribution of women in the filed of IP over the years. He highlighted the initiatives undertaken by Panjab University in contributing towards IP such as  DPIIT-IPR chair, CIIP centre. Sitting Judge of Panjab and Haryana High court Hon’ble Mr. Justice Aman Chaudhary graced the event as chief guest. He highlighted the contribution of women in IP at various platforms as well as praised the innovative thinking women bring in various domains. He also mentioned about contribution of women in different field in society. He further spoke about edge India has in terms of diversification, socio economic up fronts and how Indian society can come forward to contribute to take enable India to take the lead in innovation and technology. He highlighted the upward trend seen in IP awareness in India and increasing women participation in IP. Eminent women speakers who are experts in the field of intellectual property and associated rights presided over the event.

Dr. Sanchita Chaudhary, Vice president (Projects), Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre-IIT Kanpur was the first speaker of the event. She engaged the audience by highlighting the importance of IP and how ecosystem of IP is flourishing  all over the world. She mentioned the life term exclusivity of IP. She drew attention on Publication vs Patent, IPR policy and forms of IPR. Er. Sonia Dosanjh, Joint director and Head of AI and Analytics Group, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Mohali portrayed role of women as champions in IP since the ancient times. She shared some historical examples where women have contributed to innovation and technology and IP.

Around 150 participants took part in this program, including faculty members, researchers, and students from various institutions from Chandigarh and nearby. The session finally culminated with Prize Distribution Ceremony organised for felicitating winners of essay competition held to generate awareness regarding IP towards World IP Day. Prof Kashmir Singh, Dr Rohini Sharma, Ms. Aparna Jain and Ms. Harinder Narvan as convenors of the event concluded the session with lively discussion. The objective of the session with encouraging innovation and creativity amongst youth was well attained.