University management sensitized on IP issues

Abstract

The workshop which was held at CCU saw members of the University Management Board, Deans, Directors and Intellectual Property (IP) champions attend.

The Intellectual Property Management Office under the Division of Research, Production and Extension was established in line with the University’s research agenda. Since its creation, the IP division has made tremendous efforts to deliver its mandate. On the policy formulation level, the division has reviewed and upgraded the IP Policy. It has also drafted policies on plagiarism, Research Open Access which have been adopted by the University management. All these policies have a positive impact on the capacity and visibility of UoN research agenda.

The workshop was officially kicked off by Prof. Peter Mbithi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha. In his remarks, Prof. Mbithi said that the University Management recognizes the problem of low levels of disclosure of research results due to corresponding low levels of awareness of IP and lack of appropriate motivational packages for creativity. To this end, the management has consistently supported the Division to do all in its power to ensure that the IPMO is facilitated to create awareness about IP so that its creations are duly protected and commercialized for the benefit of the university, creator and society.

UoN has a long history of contributing to the national development through its research activities. It recognizes that the public benefits from new products, processes, plant varieties and other intellectual creations resulting from discoveries, inventions and creative activities by the University staff, students and associates in the course of their University activities. Indeed one of the core values of the University is “innovativeness and creativity.” The University management has appointed a committee to propose an award scheme for creativity

The participants were taken through sessions by representatives from the Anti-Counterfeit Agency, Competition Commission, Kenya Copyright Board, Kenya National Innovation Agency, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, Kenya Industrial Property Institute and the National Commission on Science and Technology.