In effort to promote patent awareness, Andhra Pradesh has established five intellectual property rights (IPR) cells. These are in the Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Osmania University, Acharya N.G. Ranga University, JNT University, all in Hyderabad and Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.

The AP Council of Science and Technology has identified and set up these facilities under the Patent Information Centre (PIC) that it has been operating for sometime now.

The PIC, in turn, is part of 20 such centre's set up by the Union Department of Science and Technology in 20 States.

The centers have been mandated to spread awareness about patent filing, registration among scientists, technologists, researchers, engineers and traditional medical practitioners.

In a bid to expand the network, the PICs are establishing IPR cells at various universities in States.

APCOST, has, in collaboration with the AP Technology Development & Promotion Centre, Confederation of Indian Industry, organised a workshop today to discuss various aspects of IPR, designs, trademarks, geographical indicators, patent drafting, protection strategies etc.

Mr Y. Naresh Kumar, Member Secretary, APCOST, urged technology developers and researchers to utilise the expertise at the PIC and the cells.

>soma@thehindu.co.in

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