In a progressive initiative to foster innovation, creativity, and legal awareness among students, Delhi Public School, Patna, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Patna, organized a highly informative seminar on “Intellectual Property Rights – Introduction and Protection” for Class XII students. The session was facilitated by Dr. Nalin Bharti, Professor of Economics at IIT Patna and DPIIT IPR Chair Professor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The objective of the seminar was to introduce students to the foundational concepts of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and emphasize their significance in a world where intellectual assets are as crucial as physical ones. Dr. Bharti opened the session by defining intellectual property as the creations of the human mind, ranging from inventions and literary works to symbols, names, and images used in commerce.

With the aid of an engaging PowerPoint presentation and curated video content, he effectively simplified complex legal ideas and kept the audience actively engaged. The seminar delved into the types of IPR, categorized under both traditional and broader views recognized by global frameworks such as WIPO and TRIPS. Starting with Copyright and Related Rights, Dr. Bharti explained the protection granted to creators of books, music, films, and software. He highlighted its importance in promoting cultural expression and safeguarding creators' economic interests. A poignant video from Kenya showcased the struggles of musicians facing copyright violations. Next, Trademarks were explored as identifiers of products or services, fostering brand trust and consumer confidence. Renowned brands like Coca-Cola and Nike were discussed, followed by a real-world case study from Tanzania on the AZAM brand, underlining the global and local relevance of trademark protection. The discussion on Geographical Indications (GIs) introduced students to products linked to specific regions, such as Darjeeling Tea, Madhubani Paintings, and Mysore Silk. Dr. Bharti elaborated on how GI tags help preserve cultural heritage and support local economies. Industrial Designs, focusing on the aesthetic aspects of products, were explained using relatable examples such as textile patterns and jewellery designs. Students learned how design protection fosters creativity, consumer choice, and fair competition.

A particularly engaging segment on Patents covered the criteria for patentability—novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Dr. Bharti discussed how patents promote technological advancement and scientific research, with special focus on the ethical debates surrounding pharmaceutical patents.The seminar also addressed Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, highlighting their role in the electronics industry, and Trade Secrets, using the Coca-Cola recipe as a compelling example. This section underscored the importance of confidentiality in business practices. The seminar concluded on a high note, leaving students with a strong foundation in intellectual property and its significance in modern society. Dr. Bharti’s dynamic presentation style and use of multimedia made the session both educational and inspiring. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating legal literacy with creativity and innovation, equipping students at DPS Patna to thrive in an increasingly knowledge-driven world.

Added on: 18 April 2025Published by: School Admin