1. Establishing a centre of Excellence
in I.P.R. Studies at Rajarigi College
PRESENTATION BY
DR JOSEPH I THOMAS

2. Introduction
 ‘A Centre for Excellence is expected to launch new and innovative academic research and extension
activities’ as per the guidelines of UGC
 As a part of converting RCSS to a Centre for Excellence , the following suggestions are put forward.
 The key elements in the following slides at a glance:
 Proposed Action Plan
 Vision
 Publishing Activities proposed
 Proposed Courses offered by the Centre
 Lecture and other activities in I.P.R. specific areas
 Consultancy Service
 Internship
 Outcome

3. Proposed Action Plan
 M. Res Programs in I.P.R. and Librarianship
 Annual Seminar on I.P.R. Specific Topics
 Refresher Course in I.P.R.
 Liason with a lawyer / law firm acclaimed in IP Litigation for grievance Redressal
 Publish books in I.P.R. Specific Topics like Copyright, patent etc
 I.P.R. Course for Librarians
 Weekly lectures by Eminent Personalities in I.P.R. Protection
 Collaborate with National, International Universities, and various IPR Chairs (http://mhrdiprchairs.org/)
established under MHRD in I.P.R. Related matters.
 I propose a collaboration with Association of Indian Law Libraries for further action.

4. Vision
 The Centre will be helpful in redressing the grievances related to I.P.R.
infringement for information professionals and common man
 The centre will be in the forefront in publishing Books, journal articles, research reports,
related to I.P.R.
 Help for Plagiarism checking.
 Research in Librarianship and I.P.R.
 Teach I.P.R. as a Subject for M.L.I.Sc. Course

5. Publishing Activities proposed
 Collaborative publishing initiatives with regard to I.P.R.
protection
 Publishing of Books
Books in I.P.R. can be published in English and
Malayalam for public awareness and for making
awareness to our students and faculty
 Publishing of Annual Report on the Activities initiated by
the Centre

6. Proposed Courses offered by the Centre
 M. Res in Digital Humanities
 M. Res in Law Librarianship
 M. Res in Intellectual Property Rights
Duration – 1 year each per program (1 Sem = 6 month
duration )
 Ph.D.

7. Proposed Structure of New Research degree
The structure of M.Res. degree involves a large dissertation based on
independent research or a practice-led research project. It will include the
following papers
 Introduction to Law Librarianship/Digital Humanities/ IPR (as per course chosen)
(Max Marks :100)
 Research Ethics (Max Marks :100)
 Research Methodology (Max Marks :100)
 Dissertation (typical research report which will be based on topic chosen) in the
subject of specialization (evaluation by external expert , Max marks : 300, Open
Defense based on 3 reports of external Professors, out of which one must be by a
foreigner).
The M.Res. is ideal if one’s main goal is to acquire research training.

8. Lecture and other activities in I.P.R. specific areas
 Lectures by eminent personalities in the field of I.P.R. can be conducted.
 Tie-up with international agencies and organizations like W.I.P.O.,
World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization, International
Trade Centre etc can be initiated.

9. Consultancy Service
 An I.P.R. consultancy service can be initiated for Information Professionals.
 Deliver invited talks on I.P.R. related subjects
 Awareness classes for school children and teachers regarding the importance of
protecting I.P.R.
 Awareness classes for college academic and non-academic staff

10. Internship
 Internship programs can be made mandatory for M. Res Programs in
I.P.R.
 Internship can be for a month’s time at law firms, law libraries etc
 N.I.R.F. Ranking must be taken into consideration when choosing
institutions selected for internship programs
 Report must be certified by the institution chosen for internship for
quality of the skills acquired during the period.

11. Library and E-Resources
 A well equipped Library for the centre is quintessential for its sustainable
development. The collection must be :
 Inclusive of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Resources in the field of I.P.R.
 Include Databases, E-Journals , and other E-Resources pertinent to study of I.P.R.
 Computer terminals must be sufficient enough for accessing E-Resources
 Membership in consortia will be an added advantage with respect to cost as well
as utility
 Security measures like RFID, Book Security Strips, Hybrid Gates could be utilized
for the prevention of theft of library resources.

12. Outcome
 After the successful completion of the programs, the students will
become skilled enough to perform the duties of a normal library and
special libraries in law firms, courts, advocate offices, etc
 The students will be able to help the library users at any library
regarding issues like plagiarism, fair use, tackling bullying issues,
Human Rights Violations etc in academic environment and non-
academic environment.

13. Conclusion
 In this presentation I have made a few suggestions regarding the steps
that can be initiated for establishing a Centre of Excellence in IPR at
Rajarigi College.