The University of Kashmir (KU) concluded a day-long workshop on “Intellectual Property Rights: Commercialization and Licensing of Patents”, underscoring its growing commitment to innovation, technology transfer and protection of intellectual assets at a time when patenting and IP-led growth are assuming centrality in national and global economies.
Organised jointly by the University’s Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance (DIQA), NewGen IEDC and IPR Cell, the programme brought together innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs to deliberate on the patent filing process, licensing frameworks and pathways for successful commercialization.
Vice-Chancellor KU Prof Nilofer Khan, who inaugurated the workshop, said the University is making significant strides in filing and securing patents, which reflects KU’s larger vision of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“In today’s knowledge-driven economy, safeguarding innovations through patenting and licensing is not merely a legal requirement but a strategic imperative for national development and for enabling our youth to transform ideas into viable enterprises,” she said.
Dean Research, KU Prof Mohammad Sultan Bhat, said such workshops are vital for sensitizing faculty and scholars about patent filing and commercialization processes. “This awareness helps strengthen the innovation ecosystem, ensuring that research outcomes move beyond laboratories to make real-world impact,” he observed.
Registrar KU Prof Naseer Iqbal, reiterated the University’s commitment to equipping students and faculty with the skills required for successful technology transfer. “The focus is on enabling our innovators to meaningfully engage with industry partners for patent licensing and commercialization,” he said.
Earlier, Director DIQA, Prof Manzoor Ahmad Shah, in his welcome address, said the workshop was designed to blend theory with practice by offering insights into patent filing, claims drafting, commercialization strategies and licensing modalities.
As a mark of the University’s recent achievements, certificates were presented to faculty members and other researchers who successfully secured patents for their innovations—an acknowledgment of KU’s emerging role in advancing technology-driven solutions.
During the technical sessions, Ms. Kiran from IIT Delhi and Dr. Gauri Gargate from IIT Kharagpur guided the participants through case studies, practical exercises, and expert discussions to help them understand patent claims, filing processes, and strategies for commercialization and licensing.
The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Prof. Aijaz Akbar, Deputy Director DIQA KU, while Dr. Irfana Rashid, Coordinator, NewGen IEDC KU, delivered the vote of thanks.