Manipal Law School, Bengaluru Organised A Symposium On Interface of Emerging Technologies, Intellectual Property Rights And Policy

Manipal Law School, Bengaluru, a constituent institute of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, continues to strive for a paradigm shift in the field of legal education. Since its inception, the institute has been dedicated to nurturing young lawyers, giving students access to progressive, adaptive, and innovative legal education.

Celebrating National Technology Day, with the goal to discuss laws and regulations which support the sustainable development of technology, Dr Indranil Saha (Convener), Associate Professor & Chairperson, IPR Cell at MLS, MAHE, Bengaluru organized a symposium on ‘Interface of Emerging Technologies, Intellectual Property Rights and Policy’ on 11th May 2024 at MAHE, Bengaluru. The event served as a platform for experts and stakeholders from academia, industry, and the judiciary to discuss the adoption of Al in their sectors, along with the challenges and suggestions in the IPR system, finally leading to technology transfer and commercialization of the innovation. Prof. (Dr) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, Bengaluru was the Chief Patron for the event.

The symposium commenced with an opening ceremony featuring Dr Anuja S, the emcee, and Prof. (Dr) Avinash Dadhich (Patron), Director, Manipal Law School, MAHE Bengaluru. Addressing the audience, Dr Avinash said, “Today, at Manipal Law School, as we delve into the forefront of legal discourse and the future of technology and society, we believe that it is indeed our duty to initiate this discussion, collate ideas for the practical implementation of the technology and the governing law, and present our recommendations to the legislators and regulators. Through insightful dialogue, we aim to navigate the evolving landscape of technology, intellectual property rights, and policy, paving the way for informed decision-making and impactful advancements in our society.” He also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of AI, emphasizing the legal and ethical implications and highlighting the evolving role of lawyers in the age of AI, in both corporate settings and social responsibility.

Honorable Justice Dr Vineet Kothari, Former Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court & Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India was the Chief Guest for the symposium. Focusing on the interplay between copyrights and AI systems, he said, “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the intersection of copyrights and AI systems presents a host of challenges and opportunities. It is imperative that we establish a robust legal framework to navigate this dynamic area effectively. As we delve into the development and utilization of AI, we must remain cognizant of its profound implications for alternative dispute resolution, commerce, and taxation. Ensuring legal compliance throughout this process is paramount to fostering innovation while upholding the integrity of our legal systems.”

The invited speaker Dr Ramani V. Marakani, Partner at Lexorbis, delivered a presentation on “Patents and Patent Waivers,” which discussed the role of patent waivers in the context of COVID-19 vaccine development, emphasizing the need to balance intellectual property rights with global health access, particularly during public health crises.

The event featured three in-depth panel discussions comprising of 16 experts from academia and industry focusing on the intricate relationship between intellectual property and AI. Panel 1 comprising of Dr Amar Rajendra Desai (General Manager Global IP (API), Zydus), Mr Chirag Soni (General Manager IP (Formulations), Zydus), Dr Harish Avoronnan (Head of IPR & Licensing, India, Novonesis), and Mr Amitabh Mishra (Deputy General Manager & In-Charge Legal NRDC, Government of India) had a discussion on the issue of AI in the domain of pharma and biotech and its implications.

Panel 2 comprising of Dr Rajinder Kumar Sapru (Senior Patent Attorney, R K Dewan & Co.) Mr Amitabh Mishra (Deputy General Manager & In-Charge Legal NRDC, Government of India), Mr Prakalpa Sharam (Deputy Registrar: Legal, IIT Kanpur), Mr Rahul Dubey (Senior Manager: IP Strategy, Baker Hughes), and Prof. (Dr) Pinaki Ghosh (IPR Chair Professor, NUJS, Kolkata), dwelled on the issue of IPR protection and its impact on start-ups and technology transfer in the era of AI.

Panel 3 comprising of Mr Balwant Rawat (Head of IP, Mercedes Benz R&D, India), Mr Siddharth Karkhanis (Head of IP, Robert Bosch, India), Mr Sujith Subramanian (General Manager: IP & Innovation, Samsung, India), Mr Sumantra Mukherjee (Partner, KPMG), Dr Indranil Saha (Associate Professor & Chairperson IPR Cell MLS, MAHE, Bengaluru) discussed how IPR system benefits invention and innovation in the era of AI.

The symposium provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions, exchange insights, and explore ways to navigate the complexities surrounding emerging technologies, intellectual property rights, and policy frameworks. The event offered students a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of intellectual property rights in the age of AI.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru (MAHE B’LRU):

Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence and a Deemed to be University. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience.

MAHE Bengaluru, an off-campus of MAHE, excels in delivering comprehensive education to students, supported by highly qualified faculty, and dedicated mentors. The MAHE Bengaluru campus has an inspiring, future relevant learning ecosystem, on a new age tech enabled living campus. Here, the students immerse themselves, transform and discover multiple choices and opportunities. At MAHE Bengaluru, the potential for growth and the opportunities available are boundless.