The University of Calcutta is committed to ensuring that Intellectual Property (IP) emanating from its Research activities is used in support of the objectives set out in its Charter and Statutes, and in accordance with its legal obligations, for the benefit of the University, the Creators and, most importantly, society-at-large. Considering the importance of formally protecting the IPs of the University community (including faculty members, scholars , students, and staff of the University), the University of Calcutta has established the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell in College Street Campus with an initial grant received from RUSA 2.0 and Department of Science & Technology and Biotechnology (DSTBT), Government of West Bengal. The cell was established on 22nd April, 2024 and inaugurated by The Hon’ble Registrar.
The grant used for establishment and maintenance of the cell comes from RUSA 2.0 (http://rusa.nic.in/) and DSTBT (https://dstbt.bangla.gov.in/). Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan 2.0 (RUSA 2.0) is the second intervention of a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, designed to fund State higher education Institutions. Fund allocation under this scheme is performance based and outcome dependent, relying on well-defined norms and parameters, and linked to academic, administrative and governance reforms. The Department of Science & Technology and Biotechnology (DSTBT), Government of West Bengal through its Technology Development and Adaptation Centre (TDAC) has also been instrumental in this regardfor promoting research, innovation and IP.
Scope
The horizon of creativity and innovation and its legal protecting tools i.e., Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is not just limited to science and technology but it spreads into all faculties in the University of Calcutta, such as a) Humanities b) Social Science (including Library & Information Science, Education & Journalism) c) Commerce and Management, d) Science and Technology, and d) Agriculture etc and other Centres and Schools.
The IPR Cell is the ultimate decision-making body in the determination of IP management and Commercialization strategy for the University. The creation and implementation of the IP Policy of the University is ensured by the IPR Cell. Going forward, the IPR Cell will be the custodian of the IP Policy and will also provide strategic guidance to all the stakeholders. Our responsibilities include IPR awareness, facilitate to implement IP policy of the university to inculcate a culture of innovation and creativity within the University, IP portfolio management (including filing, renewal and enforcement), technology transfer, licensing and commercialization.
The IPR Cell consists of:
1. Advisory Committee – This consists of the Vice Chancellor (VC), Pro-VC (Academic), Registrar, and any external member having expertise in matters of Patent, IP and the industry, and chaired by the VC. The IPR Cell head / Coordinator/Director will be ex-officio member-secretary of this committee. Staffs will be there to assist the committee.
2. Working Committee – This consists of The Head / Coordinator of IPR Cell, who is also the ex-officio chairperson of this committee. Faculty members and other stakeholders may be co-opted into this committee by the IPR Cell Head from time to time, in consultation with the Vice Chancellor.
3. Other Core Committees –The head of IPR Cell will form subject / agenda specific core committees as may be required. These will be formed on ad hoc basis – for a pre-specified propose and for limited duration. The members will be included based on their competence / expertise vis-à-vis the agenda of the respective core committee.
