Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1a Define the term research and explain the research flow cycle with a
relevant diagram.
The term "research" refers to the systematic investigation into and study of materials and
sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. It involves the process of
gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to answer questions or solve problems.
The research flow cycle typically consists of the following steps:
1. Formulating the research problem: This involves identifying the general area of interest or
aspect of a subject matter that the researcher wants to inquire into.
2. Extensive literature survey: After formulating the problem, the researcher conducts a
thorough review of existing literature and research related to the problem.
4. Preparing the research design: The researcher outlines the conceptual structure within
which the research will be conducted, aiming to collect relevant evidence with minimal
expenditure of effort, time, and money.
5. Determining sample design: The researcher decides on the method for selecting a sample
from the population, such as random sampling, stratified sampling, or cluster sampling.
6. Collecting the data: The researcher collects the appropriate data using various methods,
such as experiments, surveys, observations, interviews, or questionnaires.
7. Execution of the project: This step involves carrying out the research project in a systematic
manner, ensuring that the data collected are adequate and dependable.
8. Analysis of data: The researcher analyzes the collected data, which includes categorization,
coding, tabulation, and drawing statistical inferences.
9. Conclusion and reporting: The researcher summarizes the results of the research and
presents the findings in a clear and precise manner, often including appendices,
bibliography, and an index.
1b What are the three broad categories of developing and accessing knowledge in
research? Explain with a diagram.
The three broad categories of developing and accessing knowledge in research are:
3. Explanatory or Causal research studies: These studies seek to identify the causes
and effects of a particular phenomenon. The purpose is to establish causal
relationships and understand the underlying mechanisms that drive certain
outcomes.
1c What are the key ethical issues related to authorship? Explain each one.
The key ethical issues related to authorship include:
3. Avoiding "guest" or "gift" authorship, which dilutes the contribution of those who
actually did the work and inflates the credentials of listed authors.
6. Seeking consent from all authors before submission and ensuring their agreeability
to the submission.
These issues are important in maintaining the integrity of research and ensuring that
credit is given where it is due.
2a Discuss the different types of engineering research. Clearly point out the
differences between all of them with examples.
These two types of research differ in terms of the level of control over variables and
the approach to understanding phenomena. Descriptive research focuses on
accurately portraying characteristics and determining causes without control over
variables, while analytical research involves deliberate manipulation of variables to
study their effects and establish causal relationships.
1. Fabrication: This involves the illegitimate creation of data or experiments with the
intention of presenting false information as genuine. It can occur when there are
pressures to meet deadlines or expectations.
3. Plagiarism: Plagiarism occurs when someone uses or reuses the work of others
without proper attribution, presenting it as their own. This includes verbatim copying
or reusing one's own published work without acknowledgment.
3b How does the new and existing knowledge can contribute to the research
process? Explain with relevant points.
New knowledge in research can only be understood and interpreted within the
context of existing knowledge. The significance of new knowledge can be argued by
demonstrating the existence of a problem and its importance based on what already
exists in the field. The existing knowledge is crucial for establishing the foundation to
make a case for the importance of the new knowledge. By acknowledging the existing
knowledge and pointing out the missing parts, researchers can demonstrate the
originality of their work. This requires a thorough understanding of the literature in
the field, including both established knowledge found in textbooks and newer work
found in research papers.
1. Accurate dimensions of the packages the part is available in, which is useful for
printed circuit board (PCB) layout.
2. Summary of the part's function and features, basic specifications, and a functional
block diagram with the internal functions of the part.
3. Pin out, providing the physical location of the part's pins, with a special mark for pin
1 for correct placement in the circuit.
4. Graphs showing performance versus various criteria such as supply voltage,
temperature, etc.
5. Safe region for reliable operation, which should be carefully noted.
6. Truth tables describing what inputs provide what types of outputs.
7. Timing diagrams laying out how and at what speed data is sent and received from
the part.
These details are crucial for understanding the capabilities and limitations of the
electronic component and for designing circuits or debugging existing ones.
4a Explain the various steps involved in the critical and creative reading
process.
The critical and creative reading process involves several steps:
1. Critical Reading:
- Be suspicious and ask appropriate questions about the reported results or
arguments.
- Ascertain if the authors have attempted to solve the right problem and consider if
there are simpler solutions that have not been considered.
- Evaluate the limitations of the solution, both stated and ignored, and identify any
missing links.
- Assess the reasonableness of the assumptions made in the paper.
- Determine if there is a logical flow to the paper or if there is a flaw in the reasoning.
- Use a judgmental approach and be bold in making judgments.
- Be flexible to discard previous erroneous judgments.
- Ascertain if the data presented in the paper is appropriate to substantiate the
argument and if it was gathered and interpreted correctly.
2. Creative Reading:
- Actively look for other applications, interesting generalizations, or extended work
that the authors might have missed.
- Search for plausible modifications that may present important practical
challenges.
- Consider if there are opportunities to start researching an extended part of the
work and identify the immediate next aspect to focus on.
These steps are essential for critically evaluating and creatively exploring research
papers and literature.
3. Documentation function: Citations are used to document scientific concepts and the
historical progress of specific technologies over the years. They contribute to the
overall knowledge flow and transmission of information within the research
community.
5. Publication:
- After the expiry of 18 months from the filing date or priority claimed date, the
application is published in the Official Journal of the Patent Office to inform the
public about the invention.
6. Pre-grant Opposition:
- If there are objections to the invention claimed in the patent application, a pre-
grant opposition can be filed within 6 months from the date of publication.
7. Examination:
- The patent examination involves scrutinizing the criteria of novelty, inventive step,
etc., by professionals to determine the patentability of the invention.
8. Grant of a Patent:
- If the patent application meets all the criteria and requirements, a patent is granted
to the inventor.
1. Provisional Application: This type of application is filed when the invention is not
fully finalized and some part of the invention is still under experimentation. It helps to
obtain the priority date for the invention.
4. Divisional Application: When an application claims more than one invention, the
applicant on his own or to meet the official objection on the ground of plurality may
divide the application and file two or more applications. This application divided out
of the parent one is known as a Divisional Application.
6. Convention Application: If a patent application has been filed in the Indian Patent
Office and the applicant wishes to file the same invention in one or more Convention
countries (e.g. Paris Convention) by claiming the same priority date on which the
application was filed in India, such an application is known as a Convention
Application. The applicant has to file the Convention Application within 12 months
from the date of filing in India to claim the same priority date.
6b What strategies are involved in the commercialization of a patent?
The commercialization of a patent involves several strategies, including:
2. Licensing: The patent owner may grant a license to a third party for various reasons,
such as when the owner does not have the necessary manufacturing facilities, is
unable to meet market demand, or wishes to concentrate on specific geographic
markets.
3. Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Licensing: The patent owner can choose to grant
exclusive or non-exclusive licenses to parties interested in commercializing the
patented invention.
4. Working of the Patent: Once the patent is granted, the patentee enjoys exclusive
rights to use the patented invention and may license or deal with the patent for
commercial purposes. The patentee is required to provide annual information
relating to the commercialization/selling of the patent.
5. Legal Compliance: The commercialization of a patent involves ensuring compliance
with patent laws and regulations, including the fulfillment of obligations such as
annual reporting and payment of renewal fees.
6. Market Focus: The patent owner may choose to focus on specific markets and
license the patent rights for other geographical markets.
These strategies aim to maximize the commercial potential of the patented invention
while ensuring legal compliance and protection of the patent owner's rights.
6c What are utility models, and how do they differ from patents?
Utility models, also known as petty patents or innovation patents, are a form of legal
protection for small innovations that involve incremental improvements over
existing products. These innovations may not meet the stringent criteria of novelty
and non-obviousness required for a standard patent. Utility models provide a less
rigorous and less costly alternative for protecting such innovations, making them
particularly beneficial for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that may
not have the resources for extensive research and development required for standard
patents.
The key differences between utility models and patents lie in the criteria for
protection. While patents require innovations to meet strict standards of novelty,
non-obviousness, and industrial application, utility models typically have relaxed
criteria for novelty and non-obviousness. However, both utility models and patents
require the innovation to be capable of industrial application, meaning it can be made
or used in any industry for the benefit of society.
In summary, utility models offer a more accessible and cost-effective way to protect
small innovations that may not qualify for standard patents, providing an avenue for
MSMEs to safeguard their improvements and potentially reap financial rewards.
The term "copyright" is defined in the document as the legal rights provided by law to
the original creator of the work in the fields of literature and computer software. It
also encompasses the work in the fields of dramatics, sound recording, film/video
recordings, paintings, architecture, etc. The Copyright Act, 1957 of India provides
rights of reproduction, communication to the masses, adaptation, and translation of
the work.
7b What are the two exclusive rights owned by the copyright owner?
Explain briefly.
The two exclusive rights owned by the copyright owner are Economic Rights and
Moral Rights
Economic Rights:
Right to Reproduce: The copyright owner has the exclusive right to reproduce their
work in any form, whether it's through printing, photocopying, or digital
reproduction.
Right to Distribute: The copyright owner can control the distribution of their work,
including selling copies, leasing, or renting.
Right to Public Performance: This right pertains to live performances, such as
theatrical performances, musical recitals, or public readings.
Right to Broadcasting: It involves the transmission of the work through radio,
television, or any other medium that reaches the public.
Right to Adaptation: The copyright owner can create derivative works based on their
original work, such as translations, adaptations to different mediums (e.g., books into
films), or transformative works.
Moral Rights:
Right of Paternity: Also known as the right of attribution, it allows the author to claim
authorship of their work and to be recognized as such, regardless of any transfer of
copyright ownership.
Right of Integrity: This right enables the author to prevent any distortion, mutilation,
or modification of their work that could harm their reputation or honor.
Right to Withdraw: Some legal systems grant authors the right to withdraw their work
from circulation or publication if it's being used in a manner they find objectionable.
Right of Disclosure: In certain jurisdictions, authors have the right to decide when and
how their work should be made available to the public.
7c What are the roles and functions of the copyright board and the copyright
society in administering copyright laws and regulations?
8a What are the key eligibility criteria that a mark must meet to qualify for
trademark protection? List advantages that a proprietor gains through
trademark registration
The key eligibility criteria for a mark to qualify for trademark protection are:
Descriptiveness: The trademark should not directly describe the goods or services it
represents. Descriptive marks are unlikely to be protected under trademark law,
unless they acquire "secondary meaning" over time.
Similarity to prior marks: The mark should be unique and should not be similar to
existing marks.
2. Exclusive Right: Registration grants the trademark owner full rights to use the
trademark in any lawful manner to promote their business.
3. Brand Recognition: A registered trademark helps in creating brand value over time,
attracting new customers and retaining existing ones.
5. Perpetual Validity: A registered trademark in India is initially valid for 10 years and
can be perpetually renewed every 10 years, ensuring long-term protection and
benefits for the proprietor.
It is important to note that the process may involve additional steps and requirements
based on the specific jurisdiction and regulations.
Non-protectable industrial designs in India include designs that are against public
moral values, industrial designs including flags, emblems or signs of any country,
industrial designs of integrated circuits, any design describing the process of making
an article, and industrial designs of specific items such as books, calendars,
certificates, forms and other documents, dressmaking patterns, greeting cards,
leaflets, maps and plan cards, postcards, stamps, and medals.
3. Examination of Application:
- After the application has been filed, an officer (examiner) analyzes the application
to ensure it meets the minimum standards for eligibility criteria for registration. If
there are any queries or objections, the applicant is required to respond within a
specified timeframe.
In summary, the procedure for design registration involves conducting a prior art
search, filing an application, examination of the application, acceptance and
registration, enforcement and protection of rights, and the possibility of cancellation
and restoration of the design.
10a Define Geographical Indications (GI) with an example. What are the
rights granted to GI holders?
Geographical Indications (GI) are signs used on products from a specific geographical
location that possess qualities or a reputation associated with that region. They establish a
strong link between the product and its original place of production. An example is
Darjeeling Tea, which can only be labeled as such if the tea leaves are grown in the specific
soil and climate of the Darjeeling area, as per official records maintained by the GI Office.
The holders of Geographical Indications (GI) are granted several rights, including:
1. Right to grant the license to others: The holder has the right to gift, sell, transfer,
grant a license, mortgage, or enter into any other arrangement for consideration
regarding their product. However, a license or assignment must be given in writing
and registered with the Registrar of GI to be valid and legitimate.
2. Right to sue: The holder of GI has the right to use and take legal action against a
person who uses the product without their consent.
3. Right to exploit: The holder of GI can authorize users with the exclusive right to use
goods for which the GI is registered.
4. Right to obtain reliefs: Registered proprietors and authorized users have the right to
obtain relief concerning the violation of such GI products.
These rights empower the holders of GI to protect and control the use of their
products associated with a particular geographical location.
1. Policy Formulation: DPIIT plays a crucial role in formulating national policies related to
intellectual property rights, ensuring alignment with global standards while also considering
the needs and interests of domestic industries and innovators.
3. Awareness and Capacity Building: DPIIT conducts awareness programs and capacity-
building initiatives to educate stakeholders, including businesses, entrepreneurs,
researchers, and the general public, about the importance of intellectual property rights and
how to protect and enforce them effectively.
Overall, DPIIT plays a multifaceted role in promoting and protecting intellectual property
rights in India, contributing to the country's efforts in fostering innovation, economic
development, and global competitiveness.