ICRISAT shines spotlight on India’s intellectual property landscape

New Delhi: On the occasion of World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) reaffirms its commitment to raising awareness of the need to balance national interests and global advancement.

Through the development and implementation of international training programs on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Technology Transfer, the institute aims to foster inclusive growth—advocating for stronger policies, efficient IP Management, robust licensing agreements, and effective technology transfer mechanisms.

Santosh Kumar Gupta, Assistant Controller of Patents & Designs at the Indian Patent Office (center left), and Dr Kalpana Sastry, Managing Director of the Ag-Hub Foundation (center right) addressed the participants during the valedictory ceremony on 16 March 2024.

In partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, ICRISAT recently concluded two international IPR training programs at its headquarters in Hyderabad, India. The trainings attracted participants from diverse regions of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America, creating a vibrant platform for cross-cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission for their pivotal roles in participant selection, Dr Suryamani Tripathi, the Course Coordinator and Global Head – Legal Services at ICRISAT, emphasized the indispensable role of Intellectual Property in the valorization of research and technological advancements for economies in transition. He underscored the need to educate IP professionals and innovators about harnessing the power of Intellectual Property in a balanced way to achieve sustainable development goals.

Dr Suryamani Tripathi, Global Head – Legal Services at ICRISAT, presents a welcome token to Ms Jonnalagadda Snehaja from the Ministry of External Affairs, India

“Intellectual property stands as a cornerstone for global innovation and sustainable progress,” stated Dr Tripathi. “Through the adoption of open innovation models and equitable licensing agreements, IP facilitates collaboration among innovators, industries, and nations, thereby aligning economic incentives with broader societal gains.”

“Robust IP policies ensure equitable access to knowledge and seamless transfer of technology, thereby fostering inclusive growth. This strategic equilibrium not only promotes responsible IP utilization but also paves the path for a sustainable future for all,” he added.

A total of 56 participants from 23 countries attended the training sessions, which delved into the fundamentals of IP, its management, and the tools to build robust IP policies for developing nations.

“Through these training programs, we are not just imparting knowledge; we are building bridges,” remarked Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, highlighting the potential for international collaborations and innovative partnerships.

Participants take a group photo with the Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline Hughes

Facilitated by experts from ICRISAT; IP Office – India; Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), India; IKP Knowledge Park, ICFAI Law school, Cocreate Consulting Pvt. Ltd, Vivrti Law, and T-works, the dual sessions showcased India’s strength in IP support and encouraged global delegates to draw inspiration from India’s expertise.

Shri Santosh Kumar Gupta, Asst. Controller of Patents & Designs at IP Office – India, underlined the importance of tailoring IP regimes to each country’s needs, stressing the need for contextualization. He emphasized the importance of looking beyond mere statistics and delving deeper into the hidden layers of information. As he aptly put it, “While statistics provide valuable information, understanding what information is being concealed is also equally crucial.”

Discussions following this session centered on India’s 2016 National IPR Policy, where participants had the opportunity to dissect its evolution and support mechanisms.

Additional course highlights included presentations by Shri Satish Kumar, Assistant Director—IPR, Ministry of MSME, who detailed tailored IP facilitation initiatives for MSMEs, reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to fostering innovation; and Abhishek Choudhury, Director of NanoBiz LLC, who highlighted the ethical dimension of IP and its role in global progress. He emphasized effective technology transfer mechanisms in addressing challenges like climate change and poverty, promoting inclusivity.

Satish Kumar, Asst. Director – IPR, Ministry of MSME, Government of India sharing insights on IP enabling system in India

Reflecting on their training experience, many participants expressed deep appreciation.

“The course expertly shed light on the complexities of the Indian IP landscape, like a candle cutting through darkness, highlighting that knowledge truly thrives when it is shared. With guidance from global experts, we are empowered to enhance our IP strategies, fostering a robust innovation ecosystem for our nation,” shared Mr Edward Karani Njeru, Director of Infrastructure Development, Technology and Innovation, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, Kenya.

“The experience at ICRISAT has been exceptionally transformative, highlighting the importance of a rich and diverse learning environment in the professional journey,” said Ms Irene Raymond Sawe, Principal Legal Officer at the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), Tanzania.

“This was more than an academic pursuit; it was an enriching cultural exchange that profoundly expanded my understanding of the world’s diversity,” expressed Dr Babak Nakhoda, Plant Breeder & Faculty Member of Systems Biology at the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), AREEO, Iran.

Highlighting the success of the training programs, Dr Padmaja Ravula, Cluster Leader for Knowledge and Capacity Development & Gender and Youth, highlighted the crucial role of international organizations like ICRISAT in catalyzing dialogue around IPRs and SDGs, and building the next generation of thought leaders and IP professionals with the necessary skills to contribute to global progress.