Bhopal: Spreading Awareness on Intellectual Property Rights, MAPCOST to Set Up Patent & Technology Centers in Universities
Bhopal – To raise awareness about intellectual property rights and help people patent their inventions, the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MAPCOST) has been actively working for several years. For this purpose, MAPCOST operates a Patent Information Center (PIC). Taking this initiative forward, MAPCOST is now set to establish Patent and Technology Centers (PTC) in all universities across the state.
Universities to Assign Faculty for PTCs
MAPCOST has sent proposals to all universities, asking them to nominate two faculty members each for the initiative. The plan is to formalize agreements (MoUs) with all 64 universities in the state by April 26, coinciding with World Intellectual Property Day.
Three-Day Training for Faculty Members
Under this agreement, designated faculty members from each university will undergo a three-day training program. These trained faculty members will then be responsible for operating the PTCs in their respective universities and providing technical assistance to innovators and researchers.
Preventing Intellectual Property Loss
According to Vikas Shende, Chief Scientist and In-charge of the Patent Information Center at MAPCOST, many innovators and researchers often make their inventions public before securing a patent, making them vulnerable to idea theft. Many intellectual properties are either patented but left unused or fail to reach the market due to a lack of proper platforms. MAPCOST aims to bridge this gap through its Patent Information Center and upcoming PTCs, ensuring that inventors get the right support and commercial opportunities.
Why PTCs Are Needed?
Officials explained that while MAPCOST’s Patent Facility Center provides all necessary information and technical support, very few people approach it for assistance due to lack of awareness, accessibility issues, or other reasons. To address this, setting up PTCs in universities will make patent-related support more accessible and widespread.
Connecting Innovators with Industries
MAPCOST is collaborating with National Innovation Foundation (NIF), National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, and the Industry Department to connect patent holders with potential buyers. Once a patent is granted, the Industry Department provides financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to inventors.
What Will PTCs Do?
These centers will assist with:
✅ Patent searches and applications
✅ Training on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
✅ Guidance for students and researchers on new technologies
✅ Orientation programs for innovators
✅ Promoting innovation and providing IPR solutions for SMEs
✅ Patent drafting training
✅ Support for startups and new inventions
✅ Workshops for trainers and networking events for innovators
Patent Filing in MP
Madhya Pradesh falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Patent Office in Mumbai. Currently, patent applications from MP are submitted through MAPCOST, but once PTCs are operational, they will also be able to directly assist in filing patents.
What Are Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)?
Intellectual Property (IP) refers to any creation by an individual or an organization, including music, literature, art, discoveries, names, or designs. The rights granted over these creations are known as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). These include patents, copyrights, trademarks, designs, and geographical indications (GI tags). With PTCs in universities, MAPCOST aims to ensure that innovation in Madhya Pradesh is not only protected but also successfully commercialized, benefiting both inventors and industries.
