The World Intellectual Property Day marked at the University of Sarajevo

Promoting the Rulebook on the Management of Intellectual Property Rights at the University of Sarajevo and presenting the innovative and creative potential of its members

On the occasion of marking the World Intellectual Property Day (2024), the University of Sarajevo organized a promotion of the Rulebook on the Management of Intellectual Property Rights at the University of Sarajevo, which was held on 26 April 2024, in the UNSA Ceremonial Hall.

This event marked an important milestone in advancing the efficient management of intellectual property rights at the University of Sarajevo, which will have a positive impact on the academic community. In their opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, University of Sarajevo Rector, Prof. Dr. Mirza Dautbašić, Vice-Rector for Research and Development, and Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, Vice-Rector for Finance, emphasized the importance of innovation, creativity, and protection of intellectual property rights.

According to Rector Škrijelj, “The presentation of our Rulebook on the Management of Intellectual Property Rights is not just a formal procedure, but rather a reflection of our commitment to improving the capabilities of our University in developing and transferring knowledge and technology, as well as promoting excellence. It is crucial that our researchers, teachers, students, and partners have relevant information about these processes.”

Prof. Dr. Mirza Dautbašić highlighted the significance of the Rulebook in the context of scientific research and development work. “The Rulebook is essential for ensuring that intellectual property rights are protected and that they are used in a way that benefits society.” he emphasized.

Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović noted that the University of Sarajevo has been investing heavily in scientific research infrastructure over the past few years and aims to strengthen its research capacity. “Our researchers and professors produce intellectual property rights, and it is essential to protect these rights and encourage them to work more on innovations, creating intellectual property rights that can be commercialized,” he stressed.

Prof. Dr. Iza Razija Mešević emphasized that the Rulebook will establish protection for intellectual property rights and facilitate cooperation between academic institutions and businesses. “The University of Sarajevo is a treasure trove of creativity and innovation,” she said.

The Institute for Intellectual Property in Bosnia and Herzegovina was also presented as a key partner in the University's intellectual property protection processes. Mrs. Irma Isak Gudelj, Head of the Department for National Patents at the Institute, spoke about the theme “The Institute for Intellectual Property in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Higher Education Institutions: Partners in Developing Knowledge Economy.”

Mrs. Gudelj presented various forms of intellectual property rights and their division. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about intellectual property rights and how this is achieved through information-education centers established at the Institute.

The Rulebook on the Management of Intellectual Property Rights at the University of Sarajevo was presented by Prof. Dr. Iza Razija Mešević, Project Coordinator, Deputy Dean for International Cooperation at the Faculty of Law, University of Sarajevo.

Prof. Dr. Maja Arslanagić-Kalajdžić, Director of the Research and Development Center at the University of Sarajevo, spoke about the role of the Center in intellectual property management processes.

Professor Dušanka Bošković presented her experiences with promoting intellectual property rights at the University of Sarajevo, while Adin Alispahić, a student from the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of Sarajevo, shared his positive experiences with participating in a patent clinic on author's rights.

The Senate at the University of Sarajevo adopted the Rulebook in May 2022.

The aim of promoting this Rulebook was to familiarize academics, researchers, teachers, students, and staff with its content, as well as to present key bodies established by this Rulebook (the Committee and Office), procedures for filing, protecting, and commercializing intellectual property rights created at the University of Sarajevo, and future plans for promoting innovative and creative processes at the University.

The event was organized as part of an academic research project titled “The Importance of Intellectual Property Rights in Promoting Innovation and Creativity at the University of Sarajevo” (IVIK UNSA), which is being implemented by the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo with support from the Center for Research and Development at the University of Sarajevo and funded by the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Youth in Canton Sarajevo.

World Intellectual Property Day was established in 2000 by WIPO member states and provides a unique opportunity for universities like ours to join other universities worldwide in celebrating innovation and creativity.

In this year's World IP Day 2024 event at the University of Sarajevo, various institutions presented their innovative and creative potential, including INGEB Biotechnology Institute, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Natural Sciences-Mathematics, Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Performing Arts Music Academy.

This event was organized as part of an academic research project titled “The Importance of Intellectual Property Rights in Promoting Innovation and Creativity at the University of Sarajevo” (IVIK UNSA), which is being implemented by the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo with support from the Center for Research and Development at the University.