IntellectualProperty

Shoolini University Celebrates Fourth Innovation Day, Champions ‘One Student, One Patent’ Vision

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Shoolini University, a leading private research-focused institution in India, celebrated the fourth edition of its flagship event, Shoolini Innovation Day, on Tuesday. The annual event, spearheaded by the university’s Intellectual Property Rights Office (SIPRO), served as a vibrant platform to promote innovation, research, and intellectual property creation among students and faculty.

The central theme of this year’s celebration—“One Student, One Patent”—reaffirmed the university’s bold ambition to make intellectual property a defining element of academic excellence. With participation from across disciplines, the event emphasized Shoolini’s growing reputation as a hub of patent-driven research and startup incubation.

A Platform for Innovation and Recognition

The celebration brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including student innovators, faculty researchers, patent attorneys, and industry experts. A series of exhibitions, interactive sessions, and panel discussions highlighted pioneering research projects and patents filed by the university community.

In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Atul Khosla lauded the students and faculty for their contributions to India’s knowledge economy. “Innovation is not just a buzzword at Shoolini; it is part of our DNA. The ‘One Student, One Patent’ initiative aims to empower every learner to think beyond textbooks and contribute to real-world solutions,” he said.

SIPRO: Driving the IP Ecosystem

The Shoolini Intellectual Property Rights Office (SIPRO) has played a central role in facilitating the university’s rapid rise in patent filings. Through workshops, mentorship, and legal support, SIPRO has enabled students and researchers to navigate the complex terrain of intellectual property rights with confidence.

Over the past year, SIPRO has supported the filing of over 300 patents, spanning diverse areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental engineering, and artificial intelligence. Many of these patents have resulted from undergraduate and postgraduate research, reflecting a democratization of innovation on campus.

Students at the Forefront

A highlight of the event was the felicitation of student inventors whose work has already received patent grants or is in advanced stages of the application process. The stories of these students—ranging from low-cost water purification systems to AI-based medical diagnostics—offered a glimpse into the practical and socially relevant impact of their innovations.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Anuradha Sharma, Director of SIPRO, emphasized the importance of cultivating early IP literacy. “We are building a future where students see themselves as creators and protectors of knowledge. Our goal is to make patent filing as common as submitting a project report,” she stated.

Collaboration and Future Vision

The event also featured a roundtable discussion on the future of innovation in Indian universities, with participation from industry partners, government representatives, and IP professionals. Collaborations with startups, incubators, and technology transfer agencies were discussed as key enablers to take Shoolini’s patented innovations to market.

Concluding the event, Chancellor Prof. P.K. Khosla reiterated the university’s long-term commitment to IP-driven growth. “Innovation is the currency of the future. Our students must not only dream big but also protect and commercialize their ideas. This is how we will contribute to national development and global progress,” he remarked.

Building a Patent-First Academic Culture

As Shoolini University continues to climb national and global innovation rankings, Shoolini Innovation Day stands as a testament to its strategic investment in intellectual property. With the continued momentum of initiatives like “One Student, One Patent,” the university is poised to emerge as a model for academic institutions aspiring to lead in innovation, research, and IP commercialization.

Piyush Goyal Rejects Allegations of IPR Violations, Calls Them ‘Myths’ Without Basis

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India’s Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, firmly refuted recent claims of intellectual property rights (IPR) violations during a press interaction in Bern. Speaking to international media while attending high-level trade discussions in Switzerland, Goyal dismissed allegations of trademark, patent, and copyright infringement as “myths” lacking any concrete evidence.

“Show me one instance where we have illegally copied any trademarks, patents, or copyrighted technology. Not one has been presented,” Goyal said, responding to concerns raised by foreign industry lobbies and some international commentators. He emphasized that India is committed to a transparent and rules-based intellectual property ecosystem, and accused certain vested interests of perpetuating outdated stereotypes.

Defending India’s Innovation Landscape

Goyal highlighted that India has made significant strides in strengthening its IPR regime in line with global standards. “India respects innovation and creativity. Our patent laws, copyright enforcement, and trademark regulations are fully TRIPS-compliant,” he asserted, referring to the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.

The Minister also pointed to India’s growing contributions to global innovation, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology, and green energy. He underscored India’s role in providing affordable healthcare and technology solutions to the developing world without compromising intellectual property norms.

Countering Protectionist Narratives

Goyal’s remarks come at a time when some developed nations have expressed concerns about alleged misuse of patented technologies and trademarked products by Indian manufacturers. Industry associations from Europe and North America have, in the past, accused Indian firms of reverse-engineering Western products.

In response, Goyal stated that such criticisms often ignore the spirit of open innovation and are rooted in protectionist agendas. “We will not allow unfounded allegations to undermine India’s reputation. We follow due process, encourage licensing arrangements, and promote indigenous R&D,” he added.

Emphasis on Fair Global Trade

The Minister reiterated India’s commitment to fair global trade practices and called on international partners to engage constructively. He also mentioned India’s recent initiatives to streamline patent processing, strengthen copyright adjudication, and enhance awareness among startups and MSMEs regarding intellectual property.

India’s efforts to foster a culture of innovation have been recognized by global indices. The country ranked 40th in the Global Innovation Index 2023, its highest-ever position, marking a steady climb in recent years.

Looking Ahead

As India continues to integrate into global value chains and negotiates trade agreements with partners such as the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Goyal’s strong defense of India’s IPR framework sends a clear message. It underscores New Delhi’s resolve to challenge what it sees as unfair narratives while promoting a robust and equitable innovation environment.

“Let’s move past assumptions and work towards genuine partnerships,” Goyal concluded, calling on stakeholders to recognize India not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a responsible player in global intellectual property governance.