Why academicians need to take intellectual property (IP) issues seriously

The Hindu

a day ago

In today's knowledge-driven academic ecosystem, intellectual property (IP) cannot be neglected. As universities and research institutions compete for global recognition, metrics such as research publications, patents, and innovation outputs have become central to institutional rankings, funding opportunities, and overall prestige. Frameworks like the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in India explicitly assign considerable weight to research and IP-related outputs, pushing academicians to increase their scholarly contributions. While this emphasis has propelled research activities across disciplines, it has also inadvertently fostered a culture of pressure that sometimes encourages shortcuts, compromises, and unethical practices. It is in this context that academicians must urgently recognise the importance of taking IP issues seriously.
IP laws exist to protect the original creations of individuals and institutions, ensuring that authors, artists, inventors, and researchers receive due credit and control over their work. For academicians, IP is closely tied to their professional identity. A research paper, a patented invention, or even an unique dataset or teaching method constitutes a form of intellectual property that carries both academic and economic value. When managed ethically, IP contributes to a scholar's reputation, opens avenues for collaboration, and even attracts funding or commercial interest.
However, the race to publish and gain recognition has led to increased instances of IP-related violations. These range from blatant plagiarism to more nuanced forms of misconduct such as improper attribution, unauthorised use of images or data, and inclusion of undeserving authors. Such violations not only inflict legal scourge but also damage the integrity of academicians and their institutions. Misuse of IP — be it written work, images, music, or data — can invite lawsuits, damage reputation, and lead to professional setbacks.
Growing concern
The most common IP-related problem in academia is plagiarism. With the maturation of multiple online content resources, it has become simpler than ever to copy content — knowingly or unknowingly — without attribution. Even the content from generative software are not immune to plagiarism. Detecting plagiarism is only on part of the problem. Institutions must focus on cultivating a culture where originality is valued and ethical writing is taught from the undergraduate level.
Authorship disputes are another form of academic misconduct that undermines intellectual integrity. In many cases, faculty members insist on including their names on the work of students or junior researcher without making substantial contributions. Conversely, students or research assistants are sometimes left out of publications to which they have made significant inputs. This not only distorts the academic record but also breeds mistrust and resentment within research teams.
Role of institutions
Institutions play a pivotal role in promoting IP awareness and ethical research practices. Universities must integrate IP education into the curriculum, particularly for postgraduate and doctoral students. Workshops, seminars, and orientation sessions should be held regularly to familiarise scholars with copyright laws, patent procedures, plagiarism detection tools, and the ethical implications of authorship.
Faculty members must lead by example and ensure that their own work adheres to IP laws and mentor students on responsible conduct. Encouraging original thinking, teaching proper citation techniques, and actively discouraging shortcuts can go a long way in fostering a culture of respect for intellectual property.
Taking IP issues earnestly is not merely a legal necessity; it is a positive ethical character to be inculcated in the academic community. By upholding IP rights, academicians protect their own reputation and career, enhance their institutions' credibility, and contribute to a culture of integrity and long lasting excellence in education.
In a world overflowing with information but lacking in originality, academicians must uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty. They must remind themselves and their students that the true reward of research lies not in the number of publications or patents, but in the integrity and impact of their contributions. The future of academia depends on it.
The writer is Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, CMR University, Bengaluru.