SJTA to Apply for Patents on Key Jagannath Temple Terms and Symbols

by

In a landmark decision aimed at safeguarding the cultural and spiritual heritage of Odisha, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced plans to seek IP rights for several terms and symbols intrinsically linked to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The decision was made during a high-level meeting of the temple management committee held in Puri on Monday.

SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee confirmed the move, stating, “It has been approved in a high-level meeting today. The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration will be applying for patents and trademarks on terms like ‘Srimandir’, ‘Jagannath Dham’, ‘Mahaprasad’, the logo of Srimandir, ‘Shrikshetra’, and ‘Purushottam Dham’.”

The decision comes in light of growing concerns over the unauthorized commercial use and potential misrepresentation of sacred and culturally significant names and symbols associated with the Jagannath Temple. By securing legal protection, the SJTA aims to preserve the sanctity of these terms and prevent their exploitation for profit or misuse by private entities.

According to temple officials, the patent applications will be filed under appropriate categories, including trademarks and copyrights, as per the Indian intellectual property laws. The administration will also consult with legal experts and the state’s intellectual property office to ensure a comprehensive and enforceable registration process.

“The Jagannath Temple is not just a religious monument; it is a symbol of Odisha’s spiritual identity and cultural pride,” Dr. Padhee emphasized. “Protecting its symbols and sacred terms is crucial in an era where religious and cultural icons are increasingly commodified.”

The terms selected for protection are deeply rooted in the Jagannath tradition. ‘Srimandir’ refers to the main temple itself, ‘Jagannath Dham’ and ‘Purushottam Dham’ are spiritual designations for the sacred pilgrimage site, and ‘Mahaprasad’ denotes the holy food offering distributed to devotees. The logo of Srimandir and ‘Shrikshetra’, another traditional name for the sacred region, are also widely recognized and respected among devotees and scholars alike.

Once granted, the patents and trademarks will allow SJTA to monitor and regulate the use of these terms, especially in commercial, promotional, or branding contexts. The administration is also expected to develop guidelines for permissible use by religious organizations and devotees, ensuring a balance between protection and public reverence.

The move has been largely welcomed by cultural experts and religious scholars, who view it as a proactive step toward preserving the unique spiritual heritage of the Jagannath tradition.

The Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major center of Hindu pilgrimage and a site of immense historical and religious significance, attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad every year. The temple’s traditions, including the annual Rath Yatra, have a deep cultural impact that extends far beyond Odisha.

With the temple administration taking these protective measures, it marks a significant moment in the intersection of law, religion, and cultural preservation in India.

‘Innovation Needs Unity’: Jitendra Singh Calls for Enhanced Centre-State Collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation

by

In a strong push for cohesive national progress in science and technology, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Speaking at a high-level policy forum on Friday, the Minister underscored the need for a unified approach to harness India’s full scientific potential.

Dr. Singh highlighted that innovation does not exist in silos and that synergized efforts across all levels of government are essential to translate scientific breakthroughs into impactful outcomes for society. “Innovation needs unity,” he stated, urging policymakers, researchers, and administrators from both central and state governments to bridge gaps and align their STI goals.

He further noted that while India has made significant strides in space research, biotechnology, and digital technology, the decentralization of innovation ecosystems must be accompanied by better coordination. “States have diverse strengths and challenges. When matched with national-level resources and strategic guidance, we can accelerate progress and ensure inclusive development,” Dr. Singh remarked.

The Minister also acknowledged the pivotal role of state governments in nurturing grassroots innovations and promoting regional research institutions. He encouraged the formulation of state-specific STI policies that align with the broader national framework laid out in the upcoming National STI Policy.

In addition, Dr. Singh announced plans to establish a national-level coordination platform to streamline communication and project execution between the Centre and states. The platform will facilitate knowledge sharing, funding access, and capacity building across state science departments and innovation hubs.

Experts at the forum welcomed the initiative, noting that better integration could bolster India’s position as a global innovation leader. Representatives from state governments, academic institutions, and industry shared best practices and discussed collaborative models that have shown promise in addressing local challenges through technology.

Dr. Singh concluded his address by reiterating that India’s growth story in the 21st century will be powered by science-led innovation, but only if it is rooted in cooperative federalism. Only then can we unlock the true potential of Indian science for the benefit of every citizen.”

The forum marked a significant step toward realizing a more interconnected and inclusive innovation ecosystem in India, aiming to bridge policy, research, and implementation gaps through strategic Centre-state collaboration.

SINTX Technologies Sparks Investor Interest with New Patent and Strategic Subsidiary Move

by

SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT), a leader in advanced ceramics, has recently drawn significant attention from retail investors following the issuance of a pivotal U.S. patent and the strategic divestiture of a subsidiary.

Strengthening the Patent Portfolio

SINTX announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12,239,761, a development that bolsters its intellectual property portfolio.  This patent covers innovative methods for adhering silicon nitride to various biomaterial substrates, enhancing biocompatibility and resistance to infection.  The technology has potential applications across orthopedic, dental, and spinal implants, aligning with SINTX’s mission to improve patient outcomes and surgical success rates. 

Eric K. Olson, President and CEO of SINTX, emphasized the significance of this advancement: “With its antiviral, antibacterial, and biomechanical advantages, silicon nitride continues to demonstrate its potential in medical implants, regenerative medicine, and advanced coating technologies.” 

Strategic Divestiture to Focus on Core Competencies

Market Response and Financial Outlook

Following these announcements, SINTX’s stock experienced increased trading activity.  As of the latest trading session, the stock is priced at $2.69, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.71% from the previous close.  The day’s trading range saw a high of $2.84 and a low of $2.50, with a volume of 158,621 shares. 

The company’s recent actions have positioned it favorably in the competitive landscape of advanced ceramics and biomedical applications.  With a robust patent portfolio and a clear focus on core competencies, SINTX is poised for continued innovation and growth in the medical device sector.

Newgen Software Granted Indian Patent for Groundbreaking Data Compression Innovation

by

Newgen Software Technologies Ltd., a global leader in digital transformation solutions, has secured a significant milestone with the grant of a new patent by the Indian Patent Office. The patent, titled “System and Method for Data Compression” (Patent No. 565385), has been awarded for a 20-year term beginning April 26, 2017, under the provisions of the Indian Patents Act, 1970.

This latest patent highlights Newgen’s commitment to continuous innovation in the field of enterprise software and data management. The patented system introduces a novel approach to data compression, specifically designed to efficiently manage large volumes of files that contain mostly repetitive content with only small portions of variable data. Such data patterns are common in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government operations where document generation is highly templated.

Addressing Limitations of Traditional Techniques

Traditional data compression algorithms often struggle with files that, while large, differ only slightly from one another. These conventional methods may fail to deliver meaningful storage reductions or may compromise processing speed in such use cases. Newgen’s patented solution seeks to overcome these challenges by employing a more intelligent and adaptive method that focuses on identifying and compressing recurring content while effectively managing the dynamic parts of the data.

According to Newgen, the invention not only enhances compression ratios but also boosts the overall performance of data handling systems. By significantly reducing storage requirements and improving the efficiency of data transmission and retrieval, the technology has the potential to deliver substantial cost and resource savings for organizations managing extensive digital archives.

A Step Forward in Enterprise Efficiency

Speaking on the development, a Newgen spokesperson stated, “This patent is a testament to our continuous efforts to push the boundaries of enterprise innovation. Efficient data compression is critical in today’s digital landscape where businesses deal with massive volumes of structured and unstructured information. Our solution provides a smarter alternative to conventional techniques and can be a game-changer for industries dealing with high-volume, low-variance data.”

Newgen Software has a strong track record of investing in research and development, with a growing portfolio of patents that span process automation, document management, and AI-driven analytics. The newly patented data compression system is expected to be integrated into its existing platforms and may also be offered as a standalone solution for enterprises looking to optimize their data infrastructure.

About Newgen Software

Headquartered in New Delhi, Newgen Software is a global provider of low-code digital automation platforms that drive smarter processes and simpler customer journeys. The company’s solutions are widely used across banking, insurance, healthcare, government, and other sectors to automate complex business processes and enhance digital experiences.

SPSEC Relaunches IPR Course, to Roll Out New Entrepreneurship Program

by

The Sardar Patel Startup and Entrepreneurship Council (SPSEC), functioning under the aegis of the Startup Incubation Center at Sardar Patel University (SPU), has announced the relaunch of its Certificate Course in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Alongside this initiative, the council is also gearing up to introduce a new certificate program focused on entrepreneurship fundamentals.

The 40-hour IPR course, which was previously offered by SPSEC, received an enthusiastic response from students, innovators, and early-stage startup founders. According to university officials, the course enabled participants to grasp the significance of safeguarding their intellectual creations and led many to successfully register their ideas and explore avenues for commercialization.

“The success of the previous edition demonstrated a clear need for structured IPR education among budding entrepreneurs and academic researchers,” a university spokesperson said. “This course serves as a gateway to understanding how intellectual assets can be protected and leveraged in today’s knowledge-driven economy.”

The renewed edition of the IPR course aims to reach a wider demographic. It is open not only to university students and faculty but also to freelancers, homemakers, researchers, small business owners, and startup founders. The curriculum is designed to offer a practical understanding of both Indian and international intellectual property laws, including areas such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

“The goal is to empower participants with the knowledge required to protect their innovations — an essential component for anyone looking to build a sustainable business or contribute to research and development,” the spokesperson added.

In addition to the IPR course, SPSEC is set to roll out a new program on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with critical skills such as idea validation, market research, business model development, and fundraising strategies.

Both courses are a part of SPSEC’s broader mission to foster an entrepreneurial culture within the university ecosystem and beyond. With the increasing relevance of intellectual property and startup development in India’s economic growth, SPSEC’s educational offerings are timely and impactful.

Enrollment details and course schedules are expected to be announced shortly on the SPU and SPSEC official websites and social media channels.

MSME Ministry Partners with Denmark Patent Office to Facilitate IPR Transfer to Indian MSMEs

by

In a landmark move aimed at enhancing innovation and global competitiveness among India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has announced a strategic collaboration with the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO). The partnership is designed to facilitate the transfer of intellectual property rights (IPR) and technological know-how to Indian MSMEs, enabling them to scale up their operations and improve product quality through the adoption of advanced foreign technologies.

The initiative comes as part of the Ministry’s broader mission to modernize the MSME sector, which contributes nearly 30% to India’s GDP and employs over 110 million people. By connecting Indian MSMEs with Danish innovators and patent holders, the partnership aims to bridge the technological gap and support the integration of global best practices in manufacturing and services.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

Under the collaboration, the DKPTO will provide access to a curated repository of patents and utility models that are available for transfer or licensing. These include innovations across green technology, renewable energy, food processing, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing — sectors that are highly relevant to the Indian MSME ecosystem.

The Ministry of MSME, through its Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres (IPFCs), will act as a conduit between Danish patent holders and Indian enterprises, helping MSMEs identify relevant patents and negotiate licensing terms. Additionally, a series of capacity-building workshops, webinars, and matchmaking events will be organized to raise awareness among Indian entrepreneurs about the commercial value of IPR and the mechanics of technology transfer.

Government Support and Incentives

Union Minister for MSMEs, Mr. Narayan Rane, lauded the partnership, stating, “This collaboration will be a game-changer for our MSMEs. By gaining access to cutting-edge technology from Denmark, Indian enterprises can accelerate innovation, improve efficiency, and expand their footprint in international markets.”

The Government of India is also expected to offer financial incentives and advisory support to MSMEs that enter into licensing agreements as part of this initiative. These incentives may include subsidies for licensing fees, support for prototype development, and assistance in adapting foreign technologies to local conditions.

Strengthening India-Denmark Ties

The partnership further strengthens the bilateral ties between India and Denmark, particularly under the Green Strategic Partnership signed in 2020. Both countries have emphasized sustainable development and clean technology as key areas of cooperation, and this initiative reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovation-led growth.

Director General Sune Stampe Sørensen said, “We believe that this knowledge exchange will not only benefit Indian enterprises but also open new markets for Danish inventors.”

Conclusion

The MSME Ministry’s agreement with the Denmark Patent Office marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a knowledge-driven economy. By unlocking access to global IPR assets, the initiative holds the potential to catalyze innovation, enhance productivity, and strengthen the global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs — turning them into engines of sustainable economic growth.

Industry experts have hailed the move as a step in the right direction, calling for similar collaborations with other innovation-driven economies to build a robust and resilient MSME sector for the future.

Chandigarh Students Secure Patent for ‘GestureX’ – Revolutionary Smart Glasses that Translate Speech into Sign Language

by

In a breakthrough moment for accessible technology in India, a team of students from Chandigarh has been awarded a design patent for their innovative invention – GestureX, a pair of smart glasses that can convert spoken language into sign language in real-time. This pioneering project aims to bridge communication gaps for the hearing-impaired, enhancing inclusivity in education, workplaces, and daily life.

Breaking Communication Barriers with Technology
GestureX represents a significant leap in assistive wearable technology. The device is expected to transform how individuals with hearing disabilities interact with the world around them, particularly in environments where sign language interpreters are unavailable.

The patent, granted under Class 16-06 (relating to communication equipment), marks formal recognition of the students’ innovation, positioning GestureX as a potential game-changer in inclusive communication tools.

How GestureX Works
The functionality of GestureX is underpinned by a combination of hardware and software components that work seamlessly together:

Built-in Microphones: The glasses are fitted with directional microphones that capture ambient speech in real-time.

Speech Recognition Engine: Advanced software processes spoken words and converts them into text-based commands.

Sign Language Renderer: A miniature display system integrated into the glasses projects animated sign language gestures that correspond to the recognized speech.

Efficient Power Management: Designed with lightweight battery systems, GestureX ensures portability and extended battery life for regular use.

The glasses have been optimized to recognize multiple accents and background noise, ensuring accuracy in varied environments like classrooms, conferences, or public transport.

Designed by Students, Backed by Innovation
The team behind GestureX comprises students from diverse technical backgrounds who came together with a shared vision to make technology more inclusive. Motivated by personal experiences and community challenges, the team sought to develop a tool that could empower the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities with greater independence and confidence.

According to the team spokesperson, “Our goal was to build something meaningful that could help real people in real situations. GestureX is not just a gadget—it’s a step toward equal access and inclusive communication.”

Broader Implications and Future Development
GestureX’s creators are in discussions with academic institutions and healthcare providers to initiate pilot testing of the device. Early trials will help refine the technology, particularly for use in multilingual settings where regional sign language variants are common.

Looking ahead, the team plans to integrate artificial intelligence to allow the glasses to adapt to individual speech patterns, improve gesture accuracy, and potentially support reverse translation—from sign language to spoken words—to facilitate two-way communication.

They are also exploring partnerships for manufacturing and scaling the product, with the aim of keeping it affordable for individuals and organizations that serve the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

A Leap Forward in Assistive Tech
As India continues to promote inclusive innovation through programs like Startup India and the Atal Innovation Mission, projects like GestureX highlight the role of youth-led innovation in solving socially relevant problems. The device stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential for accessible design to foster greater equity in communication.

If successfully commercialized, GestureX could join the ranks of transformative assistive devices, not only within India but globally, providing a much-needed communication bridge in an increasingly interconnected world.

University of Hyderabad Researchers Secure Patents for Pioneering Innovations in Materials Science

by
The University of Hyderabad (UoH), one of India’s premier research institutions, continues to solidify its reputation in scientific innovation, with two newly granted patents in the field of materials science and microwave technology.

The patents, awarded to faculty members from the School of Physics and the Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM), underscore UoH’s growing impact in high-performance materials research with wide-ranging industrial applications.

Innovation in 3D Ceramic Resonators
The first patent, titled “Dielectric Resonators with Complex 3D Geometries Using Gel Casting Techniques,” is credited to Professors K.C. James Raju and V. Seshubai, along with research scholars T. Anil and Swarup Raju. This novel method facilitates the production of high-temperature ceramic dielectric resonators molded into intricate three-dimensional structures.

Traditionally, creating 3D resonators from ceramic materials poses significant challenges due to their brittle nature and high processing temperatures. The patented gel casting approach overcomes these limitations, enabling the fabrication of compact and high-performance resonators suitable for next-generation microwave and millimeter-wave communication systems.

“This technique opens new pathways for designing miniaturized antennas and frequency filters, particularly in 5G and satellite communication devices,” explained Prof. Raju.

Breakthrough in Low-Temperature Crystallization
The second patent focuses on the laser-based crystallization of ferroelectric thin films, a breakthrough that significantly lowers the thermal requirements for these critical materials. Spearheaded again by Prof. K.C. James Raju and his team, the technique successfully reduces the crystallization temperature from 700°C to 300°C by utilizing controlled laser irradiation.

This innovation has significant implications for the electronics industry, particularly in the integration of ferroelectric materials into semiconductor devices, which typically cannot endure high processing temperatures. Lower thermal thresholds enable the application of these films in tunable microwave components, sensors, and energy-efficient electronic devices.

“This development bridges the gap between high-performance ferroelectric materials and practical device manufacturing,” noted Prof. Raju.

UoH’s Growing Patent Portfolio
With these two patents, the University of Hyderabad continues to expand its footprint in applied scientific research and industrial collaboration. The institution has increasingly focused on promoting innovation that addresses real-world challenges in communication, electronics, and advanced materials.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. B.J. Rao praised the research teams for their work, stating, “These achievements are a testament to the University’s commitment to fostering a research environment that supports both theoretical advancement and practical application.”

Looking Ahead
As global industries seek cost-effective and scalable technologies in electronics and telecommunications, the breakthroughs from UoH researchers could play a pivotal role in shaping future solutions. The university also aims to collaborate with industries and startups to bring these patented technologies from the lab to the market.

While the university has yet to announce any patent specifically related to alpha alumina platelets, these recent innovations indicate that UoH remains a leader in cutting-edge materials science research with broad commercial potential.

Donald Trump Urged to Target ‘Lazy Patent Expansion’ in U.S. Drug Bill Push

by
In a significant development in the ongoing debate over U.S. drug pricing, Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz, a leading generic pharmaceutical company, has called on former President Donald Trump to address the issue of “lazy patent expansion” in his efforts to reduce prescription drug costs. Saynor’s remarks come as Trump seeks to implement a “most favored nation” policy, aiming to align U.S. drug prices of other nations. While supporting this initiative, Saynor emphasized the need for reform in the generics market to ensure sustainable access to affordable medications.

The Problem: Patent Thickets and Evergreening
Saynor criticized the practice of “evergreening,” where brand-name drug manufacturers file numerous patents on slight modifications of existing drugs to extend their market exclusivity. This strategy, often referred to as creating “patent thickets,” has been used to delay the entry of generic competitors, thereby maintaining high drug prices. For instance, blockbuster drugs like AbbVie’s Humira have been subject to extensive patent filings, with over 140 patents filed per top-selling drug, causing prices to remain high and limiting competition.

Impact on Generic Drug Market
Generic drugs account for approximately 90% of prescriptions in the U.S. and are significantly more affordable than their branded counterparts. However, the proliferation of patent thickets has led to shortages and limited availability of generics. Saynor highlighted that the rebate system, which involves pharmacy benefit managers, further inflates drug costs, making it more challenging for generics to compete.

Proposed Solutions
To address these issues, Saynor advocated for reinstating a six-month exclusivity period for first-to-market generics, a policy that could incentivize the development and availability of affordable alternatives. Additionally, he cautioned against proposed pharmaceutical tariffs, which could disproportionately impact generics due to their low margins and reliance on overseas production.

Legislative Efforts and Challenges
Bipartisan efforts to reform the patent system have been introduced in Congress, targeting practices like patent thickets, product hopping, and pay-for-delay agreements. Despite strong support, these bills have faced obstacles in becoming law, often due to legislative gridlock and opposition from industry stakeholders.

Global Implications
Trump’s “most favored nation” policy, which seeks to align U.S. drug prices with those paid by other countries, has raised concerns internationally. In the UK, for example, where branded drugs cost significantly less than in the U.S., pharmaceutical firms may respond by raising prices elsewhere or withholding drugs from certain markets. This could strain healthcare systems globally and potentially discourage pharmaceutical innovation.

Conclusion
As the U.S. continues to grapple with high drug prices, addressing the issue of “lazy patent expansion” is crucial for fostering a competitive and affordable pharmaceutical market. While Trump’s policy initiatives aim to reduce costs, comprehensive reform of the patent system is necessary to ensure long-term access to essential medications for all Americans.

AICTE’s KAPILA Initiative Spurs 39% Surge in Patent Filings Across Indian Universities Over Five Years

by

In a promising development for India’s innovation landscape, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)’s KAPILA initiative has catalyzed a 39% increase in patent filings from higher education institutions over the past five years. Launched in 2020, the KAPILA (Kalam Program for IP Literacy and Awareness) scheme aims to foster a culture of intellectual property (IP) awareness and innovation among students, researchers, and faculty in technical institutions across the country.

The program, named in honor of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has made significant strides in transforming academic research into patentable technologies. According to AICTE officials, the rise in patent filings is a testament to the growing awareness and engagement in IP rights, encouraged by KAPILA’s structured training, workshops, and financial support for filing patents.

Building an Innovation Ecosystem

Before the implementation of KAPILA, many researchers and academic institutions faced challenges in navigating the complex processes involved in IP filings. The initiative addressed this gap by offering financial support for patent application fees and organizing extensive IP literacy campaigns across engineering and science colleges.

“KAPILA has democratized access to IP knowledge. Today, students and faculty are not only more aware of their rights but are also more motivated to innovate with real-world applicability,” said an AICTE spokesperson. “This 39% rise reflects a fundamental shift in how institutions perceive research and intellectual property.”

In addition to supporting individual filings, KAPILA has encouraged group projects and interdisciplinary collaborations, leading to stronger, more commercially viable patents. Several universities have reported a surge in technology transfer agreements, startup incubations, and research commercialization, thanks to heightened IP consciousness.

Opportunities for Streamlining

Despite the success, stakeholders suggest there is room for improvement in making the system more accessible and efficient. Simplifying the reimbursement process for patent filing expenses and introducing features like bulk data uploads in universally accepted formats could significantly enhance the user experience.

“While the initiative has been a game-changer, administrative challenges still deter many potential applicants,” said Dr. Meera Shah, IP coordinator at a leading university. “The ability to submit multiple entries through a common platform and formats like Excel or CSV would save time and reduce the risk of errors.”

Further, there is a call for the integration of AI-based tools to assist with prior art searches, patent drafting, and classification—features that would not only reduce the workload on applicants but also improve the quality of patent submissions.

Regional Reach and Future Goals

One of KAPILA’s major achievements has been its outreach to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where innovation potential often goes untapped due to lack of exposure and resources. Through webinars, campus campaigns, and the involvement of Innovation Councils, KAPILA has made IP literacy part of the mainstream academic discourse.

Looking ahead, AICTE plans to enhance the platform by partnering with IP professionals and industry mentors to support patent commercialization, a crucial step toward transforming academic innovation into market-ready solutions.

As India aspires to become a global knowledge economy, initiatives like KAPILA are crucial to nurturing homegrown inventors and safeguarding their intellectual contributions. With further improvements in user-friendliness and support systems, the initiative could pave the way for a more robust, inclusive, and innovation-driven academic ecosystem.