The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, in collaboration with Kommit Techno-Legal LLP, New Delhi, successfully organized a one-day national workshop on "Bridging Innovation & IP: Academia-Industry Collaboration on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)".

The DPIIT-IPR Chair, Centre for Study and Research in Intellectual Property Rights hosted the event at NUSRL.

The workshop was inaugurated by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) M.R. Sreenivasa Murthy, Prof. (Dr.) Syamala Kandadai, Dr. Anandkumar Shinde, Dr. Sanchita Tiwari, Mr. Abhinav Gupta, and other faculty members, researchers, and students.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Patil emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and industrial practice in the domain of SEPs, stating that such collaborations are essential for India to emerge as a global innovation leader.

*Industry Leaders Share Perspectives on SEPs and FRAND Licensing*
The workshop featured keynote sessions from leading voices in intellectual property and technology:

• Mr. Nishant Sharma, Lead Counsel (India) – IP & Litigation at Dolby Laboratories Inc., offered a comprehensive overview of standards like 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, HEVC, and Bluetooth. He stressed the need for fair and transparent SEP licensing under FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) terms and highlighted governance challenges within Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs).

Ms. Chitra Iyer, Director and Licensing Program Leader at Royal Philips, India, shared real-world insights into SEP licensing. Drawing from over a decade of experience, she discussed practical challenges, negotiation roadblocks, and the importance of constructive engagement between SEP holders and implementers.

• Mr. Satyoki Koundinya, Counsel – Licensing, Litigation, IP Policy & Advocacy at Nokia India, focused on economic implications of SEP licensing. He addressed key policy issues including “hold-up” vs. “hold-out,” advocating for transparent, precedent-based valuation frameworks to encourage innovation and investment in India’s tech sector.

• Mr. Vivek Ranjan, Partner at Kommit Techno-Legal LLP, contextualized FRAND obligations within Indian constitutional values. He highlighted the significance of fair negotiation processes and the need for good faith conduct, referencing recent Indian litigation as precedent.

The event also welcomed Dr. Sujay Kandemani, scientist at ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, among other distinguished participants.

A Convergence of Law, Technology, and Policy

The workshop fostered critical dialogue on the legal, technical, and economic dimensions of SEP licensing. It offered a unique platform for academics, industry professionals, and legal experts to collaboratively explore ways to strengthen India's IP landscape and innovation ecosystem.

As India aspires to global leadership in technology and manufacturing, initiatives like this workshop are pivotal in equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools required to navigate complex IP challenges.