Protection of innovative ideas- better understanding of intellectual property rights is needed

Protection of innovative ideas- better understanding of intellectual property rights is needed

Infringe with intellectual property right and violation of IPRs is part of daily news now. As the we are in the technology century, where we are experiencing innovations happening everywhere. Particularly, IT field has given the boost to new ideas and innovative application in the human life. This has caused the growing concern over protection of ideas and compliance with IPR laws. 

Awareness about IPR laws

As share of emerging economies is increasing I global share of innovation, the need for awareness of IPRs is increased. IPO organizations are set up in public sectors of many countries but effective awareness campaign about IPRs is not initiated yet. There is serious need that public and private sector should dedicate part of the effort to promote IPR awareness in universities and industry particularly. 

IPR as course in degree programs 

Although, IPR is partially taught as law subject in law degrees, but it is not perceived as management subject. Whereas management graduates have role to protect IPRs in the organizations. Similarly students of applied and pure sciences are not taught IPRs. Every science student has certain role in business organization to produce or protect critical strength of the organization. Similarly, research degrees like MS/M/Phil/PhD do not offer course or part of course on IPR. Whereas, research students are supposed to produce innovative ideas and add value in the existing body of knowledge. They must be given training on how to protect their innovative ideas.

IPR managers 

There is dedicated job or part of job to manage IPR in the large scale organizations. But this culture is not developed in mid-scale organizations which produce sufficient number of innovative products and solutions. The industry having innovative working styles must allocate some resource or create job to take care of IPR

IPR professionals

As the world of innovation is growing, we need more IPR professionals in emerging economies. There is market for these professionals and issues have starting rising. There should be programs to develop IPR professionals and offer continues training. 

IRP offers IPR services and trainings to develop professionals. IRP has established associations in international markets and also IPO Pakistan to incorporate latest developments. Dr. Hamid Malik (Law graduate, scientist and business professional), one of IRP associates has developed himself as IPR consultant combining three essential skills of law, science and business management. Dr. Zafar Mehmood, PhD in biotechnology has experienced IPR during commercialization of own technologies and serves as resource person for trainings of IPR. 

IRP also offers open workshops, in-house trainings and consulting in management of intellectual property rights.

By Rahmat

Chief Coordinator

Institute of Research Promotion

www.irp.edu.pk