Concept Note

Intellectual Property Rights are understood to encompass a bundle of rights associated with
creations of the human mind. Back in 1995 World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement
on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), ushered in debates on such
non-tangible rights characterised as offshoot of intellectual exercises.
Intellectual property rights are conceived as a tool to reward innovators and creators for their
contributions to society. The legal protection to IPR stems from the objective of providing
adequate and much needed incentives for further generation and dissemination of knowledge
as well as to encourage the transfer of technology. IPR are critical for economic development
but limiting the discourse to mere economic viability is unfair to the potential they hold. If
channelled in right discussion IPR can prove to be “A Gold Mine” viewing from the
perspective of Sustainable Development. Their untapped potential has been recognised by the
United Nation.
Development issues have acquired the central place in International law relating to
environment. Around 1970s, environmental concerns were pushed to the forefront of public
attention. Sustainable development gained international recognition as a global priority in the
1990s. The Brundtland report (1987), Our Common Future, gave the most widely accepted
definition of sustainable development: ‘development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.
The SDGs, also going by the name “The Global Goals”, were adopted by the United Nations
in 2015 as a universal call to action, to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by
2030 all people can enjoy peace and prosperity. Driven by the slogan “Leave no one behind”,
nation States acknowledged the creativity, know-how, technology and financial resources
imperative to achieve the SDGs.
The way in which intellectual property rights (IPRs) contribute to the implementation of the
SDGs remains a subject of debate. The theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2024
campaign is “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and
creativity” resurrects the ghost of IPR and SDGs.
Promotion of SDGs requires inter-alia vigorous protection of IPR under International and
Domestic legal systems to ensure reaping financial and economic benefits at the same time.
EUs’ Green Trademark is one of the leading examples of how Intellectual Property and SDGs
interplay. However, the mode of engagement of Intellectual Property and SDGs requires
further exploration which is the aim of this event.
The theme of IPR day is more relevant given that pandemic has accelerated research,
development, and innovation in many healthcare-related technological areas. The pandemic
posed unique challenges to the operation of the IP system (specially Patents).
Sustainable Development Goals are an embodiment of universal cry. Within this framework,
IPR can be seen as both a double-edged sword and an untapped resource–on one hand
encouraging innovation and technological progress.
The way Intellectual Property intersects with sustainable development is manifold: it touches
on many aspects in terms of economic growth (or otherwise), social inclusion and ecological
preservation.
Despite a comprehensive Agenda on Sustainable Development, it is worth noting that

Intellectual Property is in general largely absent from this framework. IP institutions and
norms have long struggled to recognize the relevance of sustainable development and to give
it concrete and operational significance. Competing visions about the relationship between
the legal framework which promotes creativity and innovation and broader societal norms
and policy priorities have been at play at the national and international levels. Certain
intricate issues concerning IPRs and SDGs in relation to their role in the transfer of green
technologies or role of IPRs in the transfer of climate change technologies, bio-piracy, public
health, or absence of SD within the framework of IP system i.e. WTO and WIPO, the time
has arrived to restart extensive debates towards integration of the two key concepts.
The transformation in the system can be ushered only through an engaging discussion in the
right direction. In this context, the certain critical questions need to be confronted:
1. How can IPR be instrumental in promotion of innovation, clean technologies,

traditional knowledge along the lines of SDGs?
2. What efforts are desirable to incorporate SDGs within IPR framework and vice versa
in both National as well as International?
3. What are the measures that can be undertaken to realise IPRs as a facilitator of SDGs
instead of possible barrier?
4. What approaches can be undertaken to harmonize the private nature of IPRs and the
universal goal of SDGs?
Addressing these questions is imperative for the two diverse systems that intersect more often
than ever. On this World Intellectual Property Day 2024, Faculty of Law, HNBGU aims to
reinvigorate the debates around the key IP issues related to sustainable development goals.
With this year’s theme centered around “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with
innovation and creativity,” our aim is to explore the intersection between intellectual property
rights (IPR) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event seeks to initiate
insightful discussions, promote critical thinking, and inspire action towards leveraging
intellectual property for sustainable development.
In this background, The Faculty of Law at HNB Garhwal University is proud to announce a
series of engaging events to commemorate World Intellectual Property Rights Day 2024.
Event 1: Quiz Competition
Theme: Exploring the relation between IP and SDGs
The quiz will consist of questions pertaining to intellectual property rights, sustainable
development goals, and their interplay. Participants will compete individually or in teams,
answering multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Date:
Time:
Place:
Event 2: Essay Competition
Participants are invited to explore one of the provided sub-themes and write original essays
reflecting their perspectives, insights, and recommendations. Essays will be judged based on
clarity, originality, and relevance to the theme.
Sub-Themes:
1. How intellectual property helps create new ideas for a better world.
2. Making sure everyone can use important inventions through intellectual property
rights.
3. Working together across countries to make sure everyone benefits from new ideas.
Date:
Word Limit:
Event 3: Guest Lecture
Topic:
Details:
Date:
Time:
Speaker:
Platform: Online platform
Event 4: Speech Competition
Participants will deliver speeches addressing one of the provided sub-themes, showcasing
their understanding, advocacy, and vision for leveraging intellectual property for sustainable
development.
Sub-Themes:
1. The Role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Promoting Affordable and Clean
Energy.
2. Use of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) towards preserving cultural heritage and
promoting sustainable development.
Date:
Time:
Place:
Event 5: Reel Making Competition

Participants are invited to create short reels/videos exploring one of the provided sub-themes,
expressing their creativity, vision, and commitment to sustainable development through
intellectual property.
Sub-Themes:
1. Using Ideas to Help Communities Grow Stronger.

2. Creativity, New Ideas, and Saving Our Planet: Seeing it in Motion.
3. Making Money Without Hurting Our Planet: How We Can Do Both.
4. Inventing Stories that Make the World a Better Place.
5. Protecting Ideas in a World Full of Technology: What's Hard and What’s Easy.
Duration:
Submission Deadline:
Conclusion
The Intellectual Property Rights Day 2024 event series aims to encourage conversation,
increase awareness, and motivate action to utilize intellectual property for creating a
sustainable future. With competitions, lectures, and creative activities, we aim to spark
enthusiasm for innovation and sustainability among participants and stakeholders. Come join
us in shaping our future together with innovation and creativity.

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Intellectual Property Rights are understood to encompass a bundle of rights associated with

Despite a comprehensive Agenda on Sustainable Development, it is worth noting that

1. How can IPR be instrumental in promotion of innovation, clean technologies,

Event 1: Quiz Competition

Theme: Exploring the relation between IP and SDGs

Event 2: Essay Competition

Platform: Online platform

Event 4: Speech Competition

Event 5: Reel Making Competition

1. Using Ideas to Help Communities Grow Stronger.

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