The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) may soon have a full-fledged intellectual property rights cell (IPR) to act as the nodal centre on drug related IPR issues. The IPR cell would be responsible for the collection, monitoring and analysis of IPR related information and impact factor studies with respect to domestic pharma industry. The IPR cell would also offer IPR portfolio services to the industry in a big way.

According to sources, NIPER has already submitted a detailed proposal before the union chemicals and fertilizers ministry explaining the need for the formation of such a national facility at the institute. The proposed cell would bring out reports, white papers etc to serve as guidelines and assist in policy issues of national importance. The cell would also serve as a repository of relevant information pertaining to IPR and pharma sector for easy accessibility and dissemination.

NIPER is already conducting an IPR course for all the students of the institute. The fundamental IPR course for Pharma Science and Management Students, introduced last year, gives a general idea about IPR issues. The formation of a separate cell would enable the institute to offer more courses in IPR. As per the NIPER proposal, there are plans for preparing a basic IPR course curriculum for all PG, doctoral level pharma students. Designing of advanced level IPR course curriculum for doctoral level students would be another immediate objective. NIPER also plans to design and introduce a digital learning programme for pharma students at national level. The portfolio services to the industry include helping the industry develop skills to identify patentable subject matter, IP protection (patenting, infringement etc), integration of IP with business strategy to enhance profits, IP integration with R&D for strengthening technology, utility and impact assessment and IP exploitation (in and out licensing).

The cell would also carry out intensive and dedicated efforts to license out the patents filed by NIPER with an objective to enhance its resource generation by way of royalties, down payments etc. The cell is also strengthening the technology base of the Indian pharmaceutical industry.