First workshop on patent search a success
More than 25 attended a program on 'Patent Search in Academic Institutes and Universities' at AIT's School of Management on 2 May 2006. It was the first such program put on by AIT and the EC-ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Cooperation Programme (ECAP II), which is a European Commission funded program for the promotion of intellectual property rights within the ASEAN region.
As initiator and facilitator of the event, Dr. Roland Amoussou-Guenou of SOM welcomed the guest speakers and sponsors as well as the participants from AIT (mainly from technology fields of study), Thammassat University, Chulalongkorn University Intellectual Property Institute and Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University.
Dr. Amoussou-Guenou recalled the growing importance of intellectual property for economic growth and social development and the need for capacity building in this matter. He pointed out the leading role that institutes such as AIT needs to play to promote intellectual property in Asia.
Prof. Sudip K. Rakshit, AIT vice president for research, acknowledged the fact that AIT must be more proactive regarding the protection of the inventions and innovations of its various fields of study and research. However, he informed that initiatives are being taken to implement policies and procedures on how to handle intellectual property and patents in AIT.
Mr. Stéphane Passeri, gave a presentation about ECAP II, highlighting the fact that creativity and innovation should be actively protected and that intellectual property rights are the key instrument for this purpose. It is a way to add value to products and services and especially it is an important tool for a research institute like AIT in terms of intangible assets valuation and competitiveness.
The guest speaker, Dr. Roland Feinaugle, is training coordinator for Patent Information (Vienna Sub-Office), European Patent Office, and a technology and law expert. He addressed the issue of 'Patent Search in Academic Institutes and Universities.' He explained how patents can help companies retain market position, increase their market share and make it more convenient to introduce new products and processes. He also focused on other areas of patent protection and awareness, saying that intellectual property is an important and valuable asset and emphasizing the fact that patent search is essential to avoid reinventing the wheel. As he said, 'If you can't sell it then don't invent it.'
The seminar evaluation confirmed that the topic was relevant and timely. ECAP II will continue providing its support to AIT in upcoming events concerning intellectual property and patents.