Training Session on IP Laws, Procedures, and Customer Services for IP

Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC)-MSME, Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus, Hyderabad organized a comprehensive training session titled “IP Laws, Procedures, and Customer Services for IP Professionals” on 02-11-2024. This event aimed to enhance understanding of Intellectual Property (IP) regulations, operational processes, and customer service requirements among professionals engaged in IP management and support.

Sardar Gagandeep Singh Kohli, Chancellor of Guru Nanak University, suggested filing intellectual property (IP) to protect ideas and support product development. Dr. H. S. Saini, Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak University, commended the IPFC team for organizing the training session on ‘IP Laws and Procedures.

Dr. S. Sreenath Reddy, Director of GNITC, also delivered a speech, underscoring the importance of IPR as a driving force for national development. He highlighted that strengthening IPR knowledge among professionals and students can contribute to India’s growth as an innovation-driven economy. Dr. Reddy encouraged all participants to maximize their learning and insights from the program, emphasizing that their understanding of IP would have significant impacts on their careers and the broader industry.

The program was organized by the Steering Committee members of the MSME-IPFC at Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus: Dr. S. V. Ranganayakulu, Dr. Rashid Mahmood, Dr. Chandragupta Mauryan, Dr. Vikas Maheswari, and Dr. Gomathi Periyaswami.

The program commenced with a warm welcome note by Dr. Md Rashid Mahmood, Coordinator of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC). Dr. Mahmood greeted the distinguished guests and participants, and provided an overview of the IPFC’s vision to foster innovation and IP awareness among professionals and the academic community. He highlighted the Centre’s role in supporting the growth of intellectual property knowledge for emerging businesses and individuals, especially in the context of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Following Dr. Mahmood’s introduction, Dr. S. V. Ranganayakulu, Chief Coordinator and Dean of Research & Development at GNITC, addressed the gathering. He emphasized the critical role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in empowering young professionals and entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in startups. Dr.S V  Ranganayakulu expressed his gratitude to the MSME sector for their funding support, which enabled the workshop to be conducted, and extended special thanks to Sardar Gagandeep Singh Kohli, Vice Chairman of GNI and Dr. H. S. Saini, Managing Director of GNI, for their invaluable support in facilitating the program.

Following these insightful opening remarks, Mr. Subbuswami Ravi, a seasoned Patent Attorney from Smart IPR Services, Coimbatore, and a consulting partner at BIZRIGHTS, Hyderabad, took the stage. Renowned for his expertise in guiding businesses and professionals on intellectual property laws and best practices, Mr. Ravi brought a wealth of practical knowledge to the session. His background in assisting diverse clients with IP strategy, patent filing, and regulatory compliance provided the perfect foundation for an in-depth exploration of IP laws and procedures.

Mr. Ravi’s presentation covered a wide spectrum of crucial topics. He began by explaining the fundamental components of patents, delving into the intricate aspects of patent application processes, requirements for patentability, and the role of patents in protecting innovation. He also provided insights into the various types of intellectual property laws, including the steps involved in securing rights and the administrative procedures professionals should follow. His discussion on trademarks shed light on brand protection, highlighting the significance of trademarks for businesses and the procedures for registering and enforcing them.

Another key area of focus was Geographical Indications (GI), a type of IP that recognizes products tied to specific regions, reflecting unique qualities or reputation linked to that location. Mr. Ravi shared several compelling success stories of GIs, illustrating how local communities have benefited economically and culturally by leveraging geographical indications to protect traditional products and promote regional identity. His examples provided participants with practical insights into the real-world impact of GIs on businesses and local economies.

To facilitate deeper understanding, the session included an interactive Q&A segment, where participants had the opportunity to ask Mr. Ravi detailed questions on various IP laws, procedures, and best practices. This segment encouraged active participation and allowed attendees to address specific concerns or challenges they face in their professional roles, creating a forum for sharing experiences and exchanging ideas.

The training was well-received, with approximately 80 participants, each of whom brought valuable perspectives from their respective fields. The session lasted for more than three hours, offering a robust platform for collaborative learning and discussion. Overall, the event fostered an engaging and supportive environment for professionals to enhance their expertise in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and provided actionable insights that participants could apply within their own organization and professional practices.