In today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation is the key driver of progress. Whether it be in the realm of technology, education, or creative arts, protecting intellectual property rights is important to fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual creation.
On 19 March 2024, the University Research and Innovation Center (UNRIC) of Saint Louis University (SLU) hosted the transformative Copyright Writeshop which is part of the four-day workshop series on Patent and Copyright, aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of patents and copyrights in higher education.
The said Writeshop gathered researchers, faculty members, and creatives from the School of Law (SOL), School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), the School of Accounting, Management, and Computing Sciences (SAMCIS), and the SLU Center for Culture and Arts (CCA).
The event kicked off with the remarks of Dr. Felina P. Espique, SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs, setting the stage for what would be an intensive and enlightening experience. As a Higher Education Institution (HEI), Dr. Espique said, we are to contribute beyond the classroom. We are to do research and out of the researches, we innovate.
Kaye Leah C. Sitchon, Writer of the University Information Office (UIO) and Instructor at the Languages and Communication Department of STELA, delved into “Copyright in Higher Education”, emphasizing the importance of Open Educational Resources (OER), including discussions on Creative Commons, and Fair Use principles. These concepts are pivotal in ensuring equitable access to knowledge and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation as a Higher Education Institution (HEI), including the social, cultural, and artistic contexts that strengthen what UNESCO defines as “Knowledge Societies”.
Thereafter, the talk of Atty. Johanne Margarette R. Macob, Director of the Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) and the University Information Officer, UIO, “Insights on Copyright Legislation”, focused on the legalities of intellectual property, particularly copyright ownership and the waiver of rights, giving the participants insights into the intricacies of copyright ownership. Atty. Macob’s session also clarified the implications of the statute, such as Sections 172 to 178 of the Intellectual Property Law and how such provisions apply to authors of original works and copyright owners in the institutional setting in fulfillment of their roles and duties with SLU as an HEI.
The discussions also provided guidance on how to navigate the process entailed in having works protected in the light of corporate and personal creative and innovative pursuits. The consultative discourse was made even more meaningful through the exchange of ideas among the participants having concerns heard and questions answered.
Following the talks, the writeshop provided assistance and invaluable hands-on experience on accomplishing copyright application documents, empowering participants to take proactive steps in safeguarding their intellectual property rights.
Through the combination of insightful talks, practical collaborative tasks, and UNRIC’s guidance, participants were equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of copyright resulting in accomplishing documents that are essential as the initial phase.
The rationale behind the Copyright Writeshop was clear– to harness the untapped potential of research and innovation outputs at SLU by providing training in copyright submission. Intellectual property rights serve as a vital tool in facilitating technology transfer, community extension, and licensing agreements, ultimately driving economic growth, brand identity, and societal development.
Through these endeavors, SLU aims to increase its innovation outputs and strengthen its position as a hub for research, innovation, and creativity. (Article by Rita Mae Lopez, UIO Intern | Photos by EJ Doña, UIO Intern)
