In commemoration of World Intellectual Property Day, Iqra University’s Office of Research, Innovation, & Commercialization (ORIC) successfully held a seminar and workshop titled “Harnessing Intellectual Property in Academic Research: Navigating, Protecting, and Preserving Knowledge.”
Led by Shams-un-Nisa Hashmi, Senior Examiner of Patent and Industrial Design from the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) of Pakistan, the event was held on May 7th, 2024 and attended by faculty members and prospective final-year students from various disciplines.
Dr. Sameer Hashmat Qazmi, Director of ORIC, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and sustainability in the evolving education sector and fostered a shift from an import-reliant to an export-driven nation by promoting innovation among students.
Ms. Hashmi encouraged attendees to leverage the resources and support offered by the IPO. She underscored the significance of IP rights in acknowledging creators, monetizing their work, and generating value from their products. Furthermore, she guided the audience in selecting research topics based on local needs, stressing its effectiveness in generating valuable IP. She provided a comprehensive overview of fundamental IP concepts, including copyright, trademarks, and patents.
Aligning with the 2024 theme of World Intellectual Property Day, “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with our Innovation and creativity,” Ms. Hashmi elaborated on international and national IP laws. She also presented real-world examples demonstrating how sustainable solutions built upon indigenous products can contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, allowing faculty members and students to seek further clarification on IP-related matters. Iqra University ORIC remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic community. By hosting such informative seminars, ORIC empowers researchers and students to protect their intellectual property and contribute to a knowledge-based economy.
