0
0
Breaking Boundaries and Promoting Inclusion: WBNUJS Intellectual Property Meet
Kolkata, April 29, 2023: The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) started a two-day “WBNUJS Intellectual Property Meet 2023″ on Saturday at their Kolkata Campus to commemorate World IP Day on April 26th. This year’s theme is “The Inclusiveness of Women’s Power Through IPR – A Bottom Up of the Pyramid Approach”. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of women’s empowerment through intellectual property rights (IPR), specifically Geographical Indications (GI).
The event was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor of the WBNUJS, Dr. N. K. Chakrabarti. Also, several
eminent International & National speakers from different fields including the IP domain were also there.
The opening session celebrated the achievements of women inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs around the world, and the discussion focused on efforts to promote inclusion and diversity in all areas of IP work.
The event also emphasized the significance of creating awareness about the benefits of IPR and encouraging women to protect and monetize their intellectual property to achieve their full potential.
Against this backdrop, protecting intellectual property has been identified as a crucial element in promoting economic growth and empowering women, as it allows them to regain financial incentives and gain exclusive control over their original creations. Countries with effective IP protection laws have also shown a greater level of gender equality.
The proficient utilization of IP Rights can significantly boost entrepreneurship by motivating women to come up with innovative ideas and inventions leading to the overall progress of societies, and promoting gender equality.
A mock court has been conducted where a discussion of the unauthorised use of GI and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) by foreigners and Indian fashion designers was held.
The first-day event ended with an exhibition cum traditional cultural expressions.
Traditional cultural expressions from different parts of Bengal were showcased by the Manbhum Folk Dance Troupe & Chhau Dance from Purulia, Pata Naach, Putul Dance, Baul, and Bahurupi. Also, there were huge collections of Monohara and Rabri sweets and Janai Boro-bonde of Hooghly, the famous Begampuri Saree, Batik, and Alpona from Birbhum, Wooden Doll of Burdwan, Mecha and Conch Craft from Bankura, Khalsi Honey of Sunderban, Tulai Panji Rice from Uttar Dinajpur, and more.
The second day of the event will focus on unresolved issues related to intellectual property rights, such as GI extension and the multilateral register, from almost two decades ago. The event highlighted the importance of intellectual property rights in promoting economic growth and empowering women.
DPIIT IPR Chair of WBNUJS, Dr. Pinaki Ghosh commented that “this meet has highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment through intellectual property rights. Effective IP protection laws and awareness campaigns can help women realize their full potential and contribute to society’s growth.”
