The Centre for Grants, Research and Innovation (CeGRI), in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), successfully conducted a two-day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The event took place from Thursday, August 31to Friday, September 1, 2023, at the University’s Auditorium. The program was under the theme: “The Law and Academic Intellectual Property Rights in the Current Digital Age: Mapping and Redefining the New Dimensions of Intellectual Property Rights in Academia.”
Dr. Peter Sanful, Head of the Centre for Grants, Research and Innovation (CeGRI)
Dr. Peter Sanful, Head of CeGRI, in addressing the participants, highlighted on the critical need for educational institutions to actively engage with issues related to intellectual property rights. He encouraged staff to remain well-informed on legal matters concerning Intellectual Property Rights, positioning themselves as guardians of knowledge and innovation.
His Honor, Samuel Djanie Kotey, a Circuit Court Judge
His Honor, Samuel Djanie Kotey, a Circuit Court Judge at Techiman in the Bono East Region and a Lecturer at Greenfield College of Law, in his presentation, urged the participants to enhance their understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) locally and globally. Drawing from his extensive experience, he emphasized the significance of recognizing and safeguarding intellectual contributions, both from universities and their faculty members, in the digital age. He also stressed on the importance of traditional intellectual property rights, which include patents, copyright infringement, licensing agreements, and the ethical responsibilities of academics in the digital era. He further explored the emerging challenges posed by the digital age, such as the impact of digital technologies, online platforms, and open-access initiatives on the academic landscape.
Lawyer Samuel Mahmoud Fenbeti, the Executive Director of DAF Law Foundation
The workshop also featured a Guest Speaker, Lawyer Samuel Mahmoud Fenbeti, the Executive Director of DAF Law Foundation. He shared insightful knowledge on the theme, focusing on critical laws related to Intellectual Property Rights in Ghana. He underscored the importance of a fundamental understanding of Intellectual Property Rights for everyone.
Participants expressed their satisfaction with the interactive discussions and the opportunity offered them to delve into various aspects of intellectual property rights.
