Department of Materials Engineering Hosts Workshop to Empower Researchers on Intellectual Property at KNUST
The Department of Materials Engineering, in partnership with the Intellectual Property Unit of the Office of Grants and Research (OGR) KNUST and with support from the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), hosted a workshop on intellectual property (IP) for staff and postgraduate students of the College of Engineering.
Themed “Navigating the Patent Application Landscape, Trademarks and Copyright Commercialization,” the workshop took place on November 26, 2024, at the Antarctic Conference Room, Petroleum Building, KNUST. This event was a significant milestone in the fellowship activities of Dr. Bennetta Koomson, a 2023 OWSD fellow.
Dr. Koomson, a senior lecturer at the Department of Materials Engineering, facilitated the workshop, delivering the opening address on behalf of the Head of Department, Professor Emmanuel Gikunoo. She emphasized the importance of equipping researchers with IP tools to safeguard and commercialize their intellectual property, setting the tone for the event.
The first speaker, Dr. Henry Agbe, a lecturer at the Department of Materials Engineering and the College of Engineering representative at the Intellectual Property Unit of OGR, shared his expertise on patents. Dr. Agbe, whose research focuses on antimicrobial surfaces for biomedical devices, provided a comprehensive overview of the patenting process. His presentation covered the importance of patents, types of patents, patentability criteria, and the challenges of securing intellectual property rights. Attendees actively engaged with Dr. Agbe through questions and discussions, underscoring the relevance of the topic.
The second session featured Mrs. Eunice Adu Boahen, the Intellectual Property Rights Administrator at OGR. With credentials spanning degrees in Publishing Studies, Business Administration, and Intellectual Property, Mrs. Adu Boahen brought extensive knowledge to the discussion. Her presentation highlighted the essentials of copyright and trademarks, including the criteria for copyright protection, economic and moral rights, licensing, and the process of trademark registration. Mrs. Adu Boahen also extended greetings from the Director of OGR, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the workshop.
The workshop concluded with a networking lunch. Participants, including student researchers and teaching assistants, expressed their enthusiasm for the program. Many noted how the knowledge gained would enhance their research and intellectual property management. Calls for similar future workshops underscored the success and impact of the event.
As part of her OWSD fellowship, Dr. Koomson continues to champion initiatives that empower researchers to harness the potential of intellectual property. This workshop marks a significant step in fostering a culture of innovation and commercialization within the College of Engineering.
