BOU holds seminar on Intellectual property rights

Professor Dr Abul Hasnat Md Shamim, Treasurer of Bangladesh Open University, inaugurated the seminar organised by BOU's Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).

In his address as the chief guest, Professor Dr Abul Hasnat Md. Shamim said, "In today's knowledge-based economy, intellectual property rights are among the most valuable assets of educational institutions. To protect the creative work of researchers, teachers, and students and to benefit from it, it is essential to know and understand 'Intellectual Property Rights' information – patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. Innovation is the lifeblood of a university, but without a strong intellectual property management strategy, groundbreaking discoveries can remain unused or even be misused. Intellectual property rights are vital in developing a knowledge-based society and an innovative economy.

A robust intellectual property protection system enables a country to transition towards a knowledge-based economy. Bangladesh Open University is working to deliver knowledge to a wider population. Our teachers and students continually play an active role in creating new knowledge and developing innovative ideas. In this context, raising awareness about intellectual property rights and imparting knowledge about their protection is very important." He added, "Intellectual property management is not just a matter of legal protection; rather, internal policies must be created so that universities can encourage Innovation by creating a culture of awareness and active management. Effective intellectual property management also opens the door to commercialisation possibilities.

Strengthening the role of universities in national development and economic progress through strategic intellectual property management is now the demand of the time."
Professor Dr Serazul Islam, Director of BOU's IQAC, presided over the seminar. In his presidential address, he said, "Innovation and creativity are the foundation of a country's development. The legal tool to protect this innovation and creativity is intellectual property rights. For those of us who want to become entrepreneurs in the future or invent something new, knowing these intellectual property rights is essential."

Mr. Md. Belal Hossain, Assistant Director of the Department of Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks, was the resource person at the seminar. He presented detailed factual information on "Strategic Management of Intellectual Property in Education and Research Institutions: Successful Guidelines for Innovation, Protection, and Commercialisation." He said, "In today's world, where knowledge and Innovation are the economy's main drivers, intellectual property has become even more relevant. In literature, art, science, and technology, human intellect and creativity's fruits must be protected in every field."
Professor Dr Mohammad Zahir Raihan, Additional Director of IQAC, moderated the seminar. Deans of all six schools of Bangladesh Open University, along with all the teachers, participated in this seminar on World Intellectual Property Day.