Ranchi, April 19: The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, in collaboration with Kommit Techno-Legal LLP, New Delhi, successfully hosted a one-day national workshop on “Bridging Innovation & IP: Academia-Industry Collaboration on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs).” The event aimed to explore the critical intersection of academic research and industrial practice within the realm of SEPs, an area vital for global technological advancement.
Inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Vice Chancellor of NUSRL, the workshop attracted faculty members, researchers, students, and industry professionals to engage in discussions about the legal, technical, and economic dimensions of SEP licensing.
Prof. Patil opened the workshop by stressing the importance of fostering collaboration between academic research and industrial practice to ensure that India remains at the forefront of global innovation. “Collaborations between academia and industry are essential for India to emerge as a global innovation leader,” he remarked during his opening address.
The event, organized under the aegis of the DPIIT-IPR Chair, Centre for Study and Research in Intellectual Property Rights, brought together leading voices in the field of intellectual property and technology.
The workshop featured a series of keynote addresses from prominent industry leaders, including Mr. Nishant Sharma, Lead Counsel (India) – IP & Litigation at Dolby Laboratories Inc. Sharma provided a comprehensive overview of key technological standards such as 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, HEVC, and Bluetooth, and emphasized the need for fair and transparent SEP licensing under FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) terms. He also discussed the governance challenges faced by Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs).
Ms. Chitra Iyer, Director and Licensing Program Leader at Royal Philips, shared real-world insights on SEP licensing based on her decade-long experience in the field. She highlighted challenges in negotiations and emphasized the importance of constructive engagement between SEP holders and implementers.
Mr. Satyoki Koundinya, Counsel – Licensing, Litigation, IP Policy & Advocacy at Nokia India, spoke about the economic implications of SEP licensing, particularly addressing issues like “hold-up” and “hold-out” scenarios. He stressed the need for transparent, precedent-based valuation frameworks to support innovation in India’s rapidly growing tech sector.
Mr. Vivek Ranjan, Partner at Kommit Techno-Legal LLP, framed the discussion on FRAND obligations within the context of Indian constitutional values, emphasizing the importance of good faith negotiations. He also referenced recent Indian litigations as key precedents for developing fair SEP practices.
The workshop served as a unique platform to converge perspectives from law, technology, and policy, aiming to strengthen India’s intellectual property landscape and foster an innovation-driven ecosystem. Participants, including Dr. Sujay Kandemani, scientist at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, engaged in discussions that explored solutions for enhancing India’s position as a global leader in technology and manufacturing.
As India continues to evolve as a hub for technological advancements, initiatives like this workshop are crucial in empowering stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complex challenges of intellectual property rights and SEPs.
