University of Asia Pacific and DPPT Sign MoU to Boost Research and IP Protection
The University of Asia Pacific (UAP) and the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen research, innovation, and intellectual property (IP) protection. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 7th, at UAP's Vice-Chancellor's conference room.
The agreement also discussed the establishment of a Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at UAP. This center aims to assist researchers in their innovation endeavors, provide access to global patent databases, and offer technological support. Md. Jahangir Hossain, Director General of DPDT, expressed the department's interest in establishing a DPDT support office at UAP to aid researchers and innovators in registering patents, industrial designs, and trademarks. He noted that a TISC would foster a stronger research and innovation environment, enabling researchers to utilize international patent information and technological resources.
Professor Mohammad Shahriar, Dean of UAP's School of Pharmacy, believes the MoU will raise awareness about intellectual property within the university and simplify patent protection for teachers' and researchers' innovations. Professor Md. Salim Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University, urged UAP to develop its own IP policy. Professor Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, Dean of UAP's School of Environmental Science and Design, emphasized enhancing collaboration in research, training, knowledge exchange, and laboratory use through inter-university MoAs. Professor M A Baky Khalil, Dean of UAP's School of Business, stated that the partnership would improve researchers' understanding of patents, designs, and trademarks, enabling effective protection of their innovations. UAP's Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, welcomed the proposal for an MoA with Dhaka University and suggested launching a laboratory and research facility exchange program as part of UAP's 30th-anniversary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
This collaboration between a university and a government intellectual property office signifies a strategic effort to formalize and enhance the protection of research outputs. By establishing mechanisms for IP registration and potentially a TISC, UAP aims to incentivize innovation and facilitate the commercialization of its academic discoveries. The initiative reflects a growing global trend where educational institutions are increasingly focused on translating research into tangible economic and societal benefits. The DPDT's involvement suggests a governmental push to streamline the IP process for local innovators, potentially boosting national competitiveness. Future success will depend on the effective implementation of the TISC, the accessibility of IP services, and the cultivation of an IP-aware culture among researchers, balancing the drive for protection with the principles of open scientific exchange.
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