The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab in collaboration with Think India organized a two-day National Workshop on ‘IPR Law in Practice’ (1-2 March, 2019). The workshop aimed at initiating students into practical aspects of IPR Law and introducing the burning issues, challenges and opportunities in the field of IPR. Experts in the field of IPR Dr. S.D. Bhatnagar, Assistant Controller of Patents & Design, Indian Patent Office, New Delhi; Dr. Parmod Malik, Assistant Professor, BPSMV, Sonipat; Dr. Rahul Taneja, Scientist, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of Haryana; Mr. Karan Latyan, Assistant Professor of Law, Jindal Global Law School; Mr. Manish Kumar Mishra, Managing Associate, Inttl Advocare, Noida and Prof. (Dr.) Naresh Kumar Vats, Registrar, RGNUL, Punjab were the resource persons for the workshop.
The inaugural session of the workshop included lighting of lamp and felicitation of all the guests followed by the lectures of distinguished guests. Students from various law colleges attended the workshop held in Patiala, Punjab. Dr. S.D. Bhatnagar, in his keynote address, talked about the importance of IPR. He focused on the role of IPR in the development of the nation. He cited the example of Japan and also shared statistical data to highlight positive changes in India as a result of reformative policies of the Government.
Dr. Parmod Malik, talked about relevance of Intellectual Property in various professions and avenues. Criticizing the problem of commercialization of knowledge, he further deliberated on the role in judiciary in the field of IP laws. He suggested that commercialization could be controlled by fixing price limits of books. Dr. Rahul Taneja cited Ramayana to emphasize on the importance of IPR throughout ages. He also discussed the role of IPR and technology in diverse domains of science and law. He highlighted lacunae in the field of IPR and focused on educational opportunities in the field. Mr. Karan Latyan talked about the relevance of Competition Law in the field of IP and highlighted the need for regulating the IPR field. He compared the Indian perspective of IPR laws vis-s-vis American perspective and suggested reforms in the Indian system. He drew the attention of the participants to the interface of other laws with IPR. Mr. Manish Kumar Mishra spoke about Trademarks and GI. He concentrated on current challenges and opportunities in the fields of Trademarks and GI on both national and international level. He gave suggestions to improve the procedure involved in registration of Trademark and GI. Prof. (Dr.) Naresh Kumar Vats, in his address, talked about interface of Artificial Intelligence and IPR laws. He pointed out problems related to regulation of Artificial Intelligence and sensitized the participants about the emerging prospects in the litigation and academic field.
Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal, Vice-Chancellor, RGNUL, addressed the participants during the valedictory session. He alluded to the changing contours of IPR in the Digital Age. He spoke about the impact of emergence of Artificial Intelligence in the area of IPR. Dr. Jaswal advised students to enhance their knowledge and manage their academic time in proper manner. He remarked that the participants must have gained new insights into the subject of IPR through this workshop.
Dr. Naresh Kumar Vats, Registrar RGNUL and Dr. Anand Pawar, Professor of Law and faculty members were also present during the session. Vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Geetika Walia, Coordinator of the workshop.
