The DPIIT-IPR Chair, Saurashtra University, in collaboration with Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) and the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), Saurashtra University, organized a comprehensive online expert session titled “Section 3 in Action: The Pfizer Case Study” on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. The session was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to promote awareness, education, and capacity building in the field of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), particularly in the domain of patent law.

The keynote speaker for the session was Dr. Bharat Suryawanshi, who serves as Assistant Controller of Patents & Designs at the Patent Office, Government of India and is also associated with the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Intellectual Property Management (RGNIIPM). With his extensive experience in patent examination and policy, Dr. Suryawanshi brought both theoretical clarity and practical insight to the session.

The session focused on Section 3 of the Indian Patent Act, 1970, which outlines categories of inventions that are not patentable in India. This provision plays a critical role in maintaining a balance between encouraging innovation and preventing monopolistic practices, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals where public health considerations are paramount.

The use of a Pfizer case study added significant practical value to the session. By examining a real-world scenario involving a global pharmaceutical company, participants were able to understand how legal provisions are interpreted and applied in actual patent examination processes.