The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Research and Development Cell (RDC) organised a one-week Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on IPR from February 24-28, 2025 at the university campus in hybrid mode. The FDP was funded by the Department of Science & Technology and Biotechnology, Govt. of West Bengal (DSTBT, GoWB).

A total of 82 faculty members and researchers from SXUK and other colleges and universities from across the country registered in this programme. The inaugural session took place at the university campus, while the rest of the sessions were held in online mode.

While inaugurating the FDP, Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar of SXUK said, “I congratulate all the team members for conducting the FDP on IPR as it is a major subject in the careers of academicians and researchers. Every academician should know and update themselves on the latest development in IPR.” He further said, “I wish all the participants an effective session ahead.”

Eminent resource persons were invited to deliver lecture on different topics related to IPR. Dr. Mahua Hom Choudhury, Scientist C, DSTBT, Govt. of West Bengal was the resource person at the first session. She deliberated on introduction to IPR, different types of IPR and technology transfer. While narrating the different types of IPR, she gave a detailed insight on Patents, Copyright, Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications (GI), Trade Mark and Service Mark and protection for new plant varieties. She mentioned the trade-related aspects of IPR also.

Dr. Choudhury also shared the sharp rise of patent filing in research works by academicians throughout the country. She said, “India made good progress in research in last few years as a whole.” She urged academicians from West Bengal especially to work for more research in order to stay in the race with other states. While explaining reasons of not getting patents in individual or institutional research works, she cited the similarity of research works that were done earlier. She added, “Patent authenticates one’s research findings throughout the world. Therefore, the researcher should be careful enough while applying for patent.”

Dr. Raju K. D., Professor of Law, Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur took the session on Geographical Indications on the second day. He said, “Odisha as a state has made remarkable progress in GI registration. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala are other states that have made equally good progress in GI registration.”

Prof. Raju further added, “Darjeeling tea is the first Indian product to be registered under GI category from West Bengal.” He also cited examples of Sambalpuri saree (Odisha), Malda Laxman Bhog mango, Himsagar mango, Baluchari saree, Burdwan mihidana and sitabhog (a sweet product), Sundarban honey and Satiniketan leather goods (West Bengal) and many other products from different states of India as GI registration.

The other resource persons are Mr. Arnab Bhattacharya, Examiner of Patent and Design and NIPAM Officer, Gr. A (Gazetted), The Patent Office, Kolkata, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India; Prof. Sushil Kr. Mitra, SXUK and Dr. Anirban Mazumder, Professor of Law, NUJS, Kolkata.

The programme concluded with an interaction with the participants. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Tuhin Utsab Paul, Dean, Faculty of Science, SXUK.

Dr. Tuhin Utsab Paul