Mangaluru : Creativity and innovations are the sources which drive growth, development and progressing the knowledge economy. India with a range of Intellectual Creativity is as diverse as its people from patents to plant varieties, trade marks to traditional knowledge, copy right to designs and geographical indignations. The Universities should take the lead in bringing the awareness among the students and public with regard to IPR issues said Dr. M. Prithviraj, Executive Secretary, Karnataka State Council of Science and Technology (KSCST), Bangalore, after inaugurating the IPR workshop on “Intellectual Property Rights” conducted by the Department of Applied Botany and KSCST, Bangalore. Different types of patenting system exist in India. The Scientists, academicians and the people should know about the need for IPR and the patenting system. There ae organisations which facitate the filing of patent applications. He also addressed the necessity of organizing the workshops to bring the awareness.

Prof. K. Byrappa, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University mentioned that he could not patent his research findings as he had already published his research findings in the leading journals. He emphasized the necessity of leadership in the Universities with vision and mission to encourage the young brains to take up research in the frontier areas. By quoting the example of Thomas Alva Edison who had more than 400 patents to his credit, he stressed that one need not have any formal education to get the patents. He assured that a patent cell will be established in the University to cater the needs of the researchers.

The programme was attended by the students/researchers/faculty members of different Departments of the University. Prof. K.R. Chandrashekar welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests. Prof. Krishnakumar G proposed vote of thanks. Ms. Karunya compered the programme.