Intellectual Property Protection and Technology Transfer Challenges in Life Sciences Sector

Bioinformatics and Data Science Research Center (BDSRC) hosted a Visiting Professor agenda in collaboration with the International Office of BINUS University from January 15 to January 19. This agenda aimed to exchange expertise and knowledge in the intellectual property of life sciences. The professors invited were Prof. Dr. iur. Claudia Seitz, M.A., Executive Master in Law & AI, a full-time professor at the Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL), and Dr. iur. Boris Riemer, a lecturer at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University. 

January 16, 2024 – BINUS Bioinformatics & Data Science Research Center (BDSRC) hosted another roundtable discussion engaging three notable speakers and BINUS lecturers from the Food Technology & Biotechnology Department, centering on the theme of intellectual property (IP) protection and challenges for technology transfer in the life sciences sector. Binusian Leaders Prof. Dr. Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, Ph.D. as Vice Rector of Collaboration and Global Engagement, and Prof. Bens Pardamean, B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD as head of BDSRC opened the event that was held at BINUS Alam Sutera campus.  

IP protection allows researchers, scientists, and companies to safeguard and secure exclusive rights to their discoveries. It can also help attract investments and collaborations to promote continuous progress in life sciences. Prof. Dr. Shidarta, S.H, M.Hum, initiated the conversation by talking about IP rights, technology transfer, and protection of data within the instrument of property law. While acknowledging the optimism surrounding existing instruments, he expressed concerns about their implementation. Following this, Prof. Dr. iur. Claudia Seitz presented on technology transfer & legal questions in light of the shift from material to data. She highlighted legal challenges, addressing the complex questions arising in recent years. Dr. Bambang Pratama, S.H, M.H offered insights into the legal facets of life sciences from an Indonesian legal perspective. He underlined the need to understand both conventional and electronic data protection and the strategic importance of choosing the appropriate legal instrument in this evolving landscape. 

Representatives from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) attended the afternoon roundtable discussion, featuring Puji Lestari, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D. as Head of Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, Ir. Tri Puji Priyatno, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of Research Center for Animal Husbandry, and Dr. Yudhistira Nugraha, S.P., M.P. as Head of Research Center for Food Crops.  

During this session, Dr. iur. Boris Riemer presented the protection of distinctive signs and culinary heritage, exploring various aspects such as how a generic product could transform into an individual trademark or geographic indication (GI), legal questions surrounding GIs, and perspectives on GIs in the EU and the international framework.