DBU Hosts Insightful Seminar on World IP Day 2026, Emphasizing Innovation in Sports

DBU Hosts Insightful Seminar on World IP Day 2026, Emphasizing Innovation in Sports

Mandi Gobindgarh, April 22: The AGRIM Club of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in association with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at Desh Bhagat University, successfully hosted a thought‑provoking seminar on World Intellectual Property Day 2026 at the university campus. The event was held under this year’s global theme, “Insights into IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate,” and highlighted the critical role of intellectual property rights (IPR) in driving innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in the sports and research domains.

The programme commenced with the arrival of esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. Zora Singh, Pro‑Chancellor Dr. Tajinder Kaur and Vice‑Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Harsh Sadawarti. The session also welcomed distinguished resource persons Prof. (Dr.) Balwinder Singh Sooch from Punjabi University, Patiala, and Dr. Ruchi Singla, Scientific Advisor to IP India.

Prof. (Dr.) H. K. Sidhu, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, delivered the welcome address and introduced the resource persons, underlining the growing importance of IPR in today’s innovation‑driven academic and industrial landscape. In his address, Vice‑Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Harsh Sadawarti inspired students to actively pursue innovation while systematically protecting their creative ideas through formal intellectual property mechanisms.

The seminar featured two expert sessions. Prof. (Dr.) Balwinder Singh Sooch shared insights on the role of intellectual property in research, innovation, and the sports sector, explaining how patents, trademarks, and designs support athletes, equipment manufacturers, and sports‑tech ventures. Dr. Ruchi Singla provided practical guidance on intellectual property rights, focusing on procedures for filing, benefits for innovators and entrepreneurs, and effective strategies to leverage IPR for competitive advantage.

An engaging interactive session followed, during which participants discussed key aspects of intellectual property and entrepreneurship, including challenges faced by student‑innovators and farmers in securing their inventions. The speakers were felicitated by the Hon’ble Chancellor and Pro‑Chancellor for their valuable contributions to fostering an IP‑aware ecosystem on campus.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Avinash Kumar Bhatia, Academic Coordinator, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, organizers, and participants for their active involvement.