State sensitised on intellectual property
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
An invention need not be complicated to be categorized as intellectual property and even a simple invention such as paper clip is eligible and are protected under the broad array of six intellectual property rights.
This was among the numerous insights offered to law students, academicians and lawyers on the topic of ‘Patent system in India’ by Prof Dr T Ramakrishna, eminent senior professor and chairperson of Intellectual Property Rights chair at National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
He was speaking at an awareness programme on intellectual property rights organized by Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Institute, Margao, of Union Ministry of MSME at V M Salgaokar College of Law in Panaji on Friday.
Dr Ramakrishna sought to sensitize Goa’s legal fraternity about the legal protection and support which can be made available to intellectual property. He began with what can be termed as intellectual property.
“All inventions aren’t part of intellectual property and patent-eligible inventions possess certain characteristics such as they are novel, non-obvious to person skilled in the art, have industrial application and aren’t excluded by The Patent’s Act, 1970,” he said elaborating on the legal framework therein.
Dr Ramakrishna also sought to highlight the role of women in the world of inventions stating that women, especially those who are mothers, are great inventors owing to their necessities.
Another speaker at the event, Dr Shaber Ali, a faculty member of V M Salgaokar College of Law, spoke on the topic ‘Importance of IPR-Goan perspective.’
Explaining the intricacies involved in Geographical Indication Act, 1999, Dr Ali stressed that Goans need to be a little more proactive in knowing and understanding what is indigenous and what can be protected under this specific Act.
The fact that Goa lost an unfought battle to Karnataka over betel nut and to Allahabad over guava under this Act was highlighted.
