SLSU - KTTO hosts Exploring Intellectual Property: IP Awareness, Patent Search, and Patent Drafting Writeshop for Future Innovators
On November 6, 2024, Southern Leyte State University hosted a specialized workshop titled Exploring Intellectual Property: IP Awareness, Patent Search, and Patent Drafting Writeshop for Future Innovators in Food Technology at the RIES Training Hall. The event was organized by the Knowledge Technology Transfer Office (KTTO) with the objective of equipping fourth-year Food Technology students with essential knowledge and skills in intellectual property (IP) protection, specifically in the areas of pataent searching and drafting.
The program was formally opened by Engr. Jonelle Tablada, Director of KTTO, who underscored the significance of intellectual property protection as a critical component in academic research and innovation. Engr. Tablada highlighted the university’s commitment to cultivating a research environment where innovative work is protected, noting that “research conducted within the university must extend beyond knowledge generation; it should be safeguarded to create long-term value for both the university and society.”
Distinguished speakers led the technical sessions, including Ms. Rio Katrina Avila, Head of the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO); Dr. Adel Grace Gaudicos; and Mr. Jerome Jack Napalla, both experienced patent drafters. Together, they guided students through IP basics, the process of identifying patentable aspects within research, and effective methods for patent search and drafting.
This interactive writeshop provided fourth-year students with the opportunity to evaluate their thesis projects for potential patentability, helping them assess their research’s originality and identify IP rights that could secure their innovations. This practical experience reinforced the significance of IP in advancing responsible, protected research within the food technology domain.
Building on this initiative, a separate session will be held for third-year Food Technology students who are still in the early stages of conceptualizing their thesis projects. This preparatory session aims to help these students understand IP eligibility and patentability criteria, guiding them in evaluating the protectability of their ideas before proceeding to full research and experimentation. By introducing IP awareness early, the university seeks to integrate IP considerations into students’ academic journey from ideation through development.
Through these writeshops, Southern Leyte State University is not only empowering students with knowledge of IP protection but also fostering a proactive approach to research and innovation. This dedication to IP literacy underscores the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are equipped to navigate the complexities of IP, driving responsible innovation and safeguarding their contributions to the field.
