Model Paper RM
Model Paper RM
• Explanation: The rst step is to identify the problem or question that the research will
address. This involves narrowing down a broad topic to a speci c, focused question. The
problem should be clear, researchable, and signi cant to the eld of study.
• Importance: De ning a research problem helps to set the direction and scope of the entire
research project. It also determines what type of data and methods will be required.
2. Conducting a Literature Review
• Explanation: Based on the literature review, the researcher formulates a clear hypothesis (a
testable statement) or research questions that guide the study. The hypothesis predicts a
relationship between variables, while research questions focus on areas of interest to be
explored.
• Importance: The hypothesis or research questions give structure to the research, guiding
data collection and analysis. It ensures that the study is focused on addressing the core
problem.
4. Designing the Research
• Explanation: In this step, the researcher plans the overall approach and methodology for the
study. This includes choosing between qualitative or quantitative research methods,
selecting the research design (e.g., experimental, survey, case study), and deciding on data
collection tools (e.g., questionnaires, interviews, observation).
• Importance: A well-designed research plan ensures that the study will answer the research
question effectively and ef ciently. It also ensures that the research is feasible and
methodologically sound.
5. Collecting Data
• Explanation: Data collection involves gathering the required information from selected
sources. This can be done through various methods such as surveys, interviews,
experiments, or secondary data analysis.
• Importance: Accurate and reliable data collection is essential for the validity of the research
ndings. The quality of data directly impacts the outcomes of the study.
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6. Analyzing the Data
• Explanation: Once the data is collected, it needs to be processed and analyzed. This can
involve statistical analysis (for quantitative research) or thematic coding (for qualitative
research). The aim is to extract meaningful insights, patterns, or relationships from the data.
• Importance: Proper data analysis helps in testing the hypothesis or answering the research
questions. It also allows researchers to make informed conclusions based on evidence.
7. Interpreting the Results
• Explanation: After analyzing the data, the researcher interprets the ndings. This involves
comparing the results with the hypothesis or research questions and drawing conclusions
about the signi cance and implications of the ndings.
• Importance: Interpretation links the results back to the original problem, providing a deeper
understanding of the topic. It also helps to evaluate the implications of the research and
suggests areas for further study.
8. Presenting the Findings
• Explanation: The results of the research are then presented in a formal report or research
paper. This includes an introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. The
ndings are often presented with supporting data, charts, graphs, and references to existing
literature.
• Importance: Presenting ndings clearly and coherently is crucial for communicating the
results to the academic community, stakeholders, or policymakers. It ensures that the
research is accessible and contributes to the body of knowledge.
9. Drawing Conclusions and Making Recommendations
• Explanation: The researcher concludes by summarizing the key ndings, discussing their
implications, and making recommendations based on the research. Recommendations could
suggest practical applications, policy changes, or further research directions.
• Importance: The conclusion ties the research together, providing clarity on how the study
contributes to understanding the problem and offering suggestions for the future.
10. Review and Re nement
• Explanation: After completing the research, the researcher reviews the entire process,
checking for any inconsistencies or errors. If necessary, revisions are made to improve the
clarity, accuracy, or comprehensiveness of the research. The nal version is then prepared
for publication or presentation.
• Importance: This step ensures the research is of the highest quality and free from errors. It
also provides an opportunity to re ne the analysis and strengthen the overall study.
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1 b) Explain the process of copyright registration with a flow chart.
2b. Describe the Research process with the a flow chart
The research process in engineering typically follows a structured approach that can be
illustrated in a flow chart. Here’s a description of the main steps involved in the research
process:
1. Identify the Research Problem: Recognizing and defining the specific problem or
question to be addressed.
2. Literature Review: Conducting a thorough review of existing research and literature
related to the problem to understand the current state of knowledge.
3. Formulate Hypothesis or Objectives: Developing a clear hypothesis or setting
specific research objectives based on the identified problem and literature review.
4. Research Design: Planning the methodology, including selecting the type of research
(e.g., experimental, observational) and determining the data collection methods.
5. Data Collection: Gathering relevant data through experiments, surveys, simulations,
or other methods.
6. Data Analysis: Analyzing the collected data using appropriate statistical or
computational techniques to draw conclusions.
7. Interpret Results: Evaluating the results in the context of the original research
problem and hypothesis.
8. Draw Conclusions: Summarizing the findings and determining whether they support
or refute the hypothesis.
9. Report Writing: Documenting the research process, findings, and conclusions in a
structured report or paper.
10. Dissemination: Sharing the research findings with the broader community through
publications, conferences, or presentations.
11. Feedback and Iteration: Seeking feedback from peers and stakeholders, leading to
potential further research or refinement of the initial study.
Ethics refers to a set of moral principles that govern the behaviour of individuals and groups. It
involves distinguishing right from wrong and acting in ways that promote fairness, accountability,
and integrity. In professional elds like engineering, ethics ensures that decisions, actions, and
behaviours align with societal values and contribute to the common good. In research, ethics
focuses on ensuring that the methods, results, and conclusions are conducted and communicated
honestly, transparently, and responsibly.
• Accurate Reporting: Engineers must report ndings, data, and results truthfully, without
fabrication or manipulation. All aspects of the research process, from data collection to
analysis and reporting, should be transparent.
• Avoiding Plagiarism: A key ethical requirement is properly citing the work of others.
Researchers should not present someone else's ideas or results as their own.
2. Respect for Intellectual Property
• Ensuring Safety: Engineering research should prioritize the safety of all involved,
including researchers, participants, and the public. Researchers must follow established
safety protocols to minimize risks in experimentation, design, and implementation.
• Ethical Testing: In research involving humans or animals, ethical standards require
minimizing harm and ensuring that participants give informed consent.
5. Social Responsibility
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• Public Impact: Research should bene t society. Engineers must consider the societal
implications of their work, ensuring that it improves quality of life, protects the
environment, and does not exploit vulnerable groups.
• Sustainability: Ethical engineering research should focus on solutions that are sustainable,
reducing negative environmental impacts, and improving long-term viability.
6. Avoiding Con icts of Interest
• Disclosure of Interests: Engineers must disclose any potential con icts of interest, such as
nancial or personal interests that may bias the research outcomes.
• Impartiality: Researchers must maintain objectivity and impartiality, ensuring that external
in uences do not affect the integrity of their ndings.
7. Fairness and Equity
• Equal Opportunity: Engineering researchers must ensure that their work is inclusive and
does not discriminate against individuals or groups based on gender, race, or other personal
characteristics.
• Inclusive Practices: Ethical research includes involving a diverse group of participants and
ensuring that research bene ts all sectors of society, especially marginalized groups.
8. Transparency and Accountability
• Data Integrity: Engineers must ensure that data is collected, stored, and analyzed accurately
and securely. This includes avoiding manipulation or falsi cation of data for personal or
organizational gain.
• Data Privacy: If working with personal or sensitive data, researchers must ensure
con dentiality and comply with data protection laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR).
10. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
• Adhering to Standards: Ethical engineering research must comply with relevant legal and
regulatory standards. This includes environmental regulations, safety laws, and intellectual
property protections.
• Research Ethics Committees: Many research studies, especially those involving human
subjects, require approval from ethical review boards or institutional review boards (IRBs)
to ensure they meet ethical standards.
11. Responsible Publication
• Avoiding Duplicate Publication: Researchers should not publish the same results in
multiple journals. They must follow ethical guidelines for publication, ensuring that the
work is original and adds value to the eld.
• Peer Review: Engaging in and respecting the peer review process ensures that research is
scrutinized and validated by experts before publication.
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3 a) Explain the process and purpose of literature survey.
proceedings,
or a patent, and it is used exclusively in larger documents like books, thesis, or dissertations.
4 a) Mention the Criteria that help researcher in evaluation of the information under
study.
When evaluating information for research, it is essential to ensure that the sources are reliable,
relevant, and credible. Below are the criteria that help researchers evaluate the information under
study:
1. Relevance
• Author Expertise: Are the authors experts in the subject matter? Check their academic
quali cations, professional experience, and other published works.
• Source Reputation: Is the information from a reputable journal, institution, publisher, or
organization? Peer-reviewed journals and established academic publishers are usually
credible sources.
• Publisher/Organization: Is the information published by a respected institution, research
organization, or authority in the eld?
3. Accuracy
• Consistency with Other Sources: Is the information consistent with other reliable sources
on the same topic? Cross-checking facts across multiple credible sources can help identify
inaccuracies.
• Evidence Support: Are the claims made in the information supported by reliable data,
references, or evidence? Well-supported information should have citations or references to
credible sources.
• Correctness of Facts: Are the facts presented in the information accurate, veri able, and
up-to-date?
4. Bias and Objectivity
• Objectivity: Does the source present the information impartially, or does it show signs of
bias (e.g., commercial, political, or ideological)? Bias can distort the validity of the
information.
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• Multiple Perspectives: Does the source present multiple viewpoints or only one side of the
argument? Reliable information should consider and present opposing views where
applicable.
5. Currency (Timeliness)
• Publication Date: Is the information recent enough for your research topic? Some elds,
like technology or medicine, require up-to-date data and sources.
• Revisions and Updates: Has the information been updated or revised to re ect new
developments or insights in the eld?
6. Methodology
• Research Design: If the information comes from an empirical study, what research
methodology was used? Was the research conducted rigorously with valid and reliable
methods?
• Sample Size and Population: Was the research sample adequate, and does it represent the
relevant population? This ensures the generalizability of the ndings.
7. Clarity and Coherence
• Data Transparency: Does the source provide enough information about the data and
methods so that the study can be replicated by others?
• Detailed Methods: Reliable research should detail how the data was collected, analyzed,
and interpreted, allowing others to verify the ndings.
9. Peer Review Status
• Peer-Reviewed Sources: Has the information been reviewed by experts in the eld before
publication? Peer-reviewed sources are generally more credible because they have
undergone expert evaluation for quality and accuracy.
10. Ethical Considerations
• Ethical Research Practices: Was the research conducted ethically? Information derived
from studies involving human or animal subjects should adhere to ethical standards, such as
informed consent, data privacy, and protection from harm.
• Con ict of Interest: Does the source disclose any potential con icts of interest, such as
nancial relationships with companies or other entities that might in uence the research
ndings?
11. Intended Audience
• Target Audience: Who is the information intended for? Academic and professional
audiences generally expect higher-quality, peer-reviewed content, while popular media may
be more accessible but less reliable.
• Purpose of the Source: Is the information aimed at informing, persuading, or entertaining?
Information created for persuasive or commercial purposes might be less reliable.
12. Citations and References
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• Supporting Sources: Does the information provide citations and references to support its
claims? A credible source will often reference other authoritative sources, allowing for
further veri cation.
• Quality of Citations: Are the references cited from reputable, peer-reviewed publications or
recognized experts in the eld?
Researchers in different elds of engineering will need to read certain types of doc-
uments. For example, mechanical and civil engineers would need to read drawings
related to mechanical parts and buildings. Researchers in the eld of electronics
need to read datasheets. On occasions, researchers in other elds may also need to
incorporate a certain electronic part in which case careful reading of the datasheet is
imperative. The same principles like initial skimming of the datasheet are required
to ascertain whether further careful reading is needed.
Types of Patent
1. Priority Date:
• De nition: The priority date is the date on which a patent application is rst led, either for
a provisional or non-provisional patent application. This date establishes the inventor's claim
to the invention and serves as the benchmark for determining whether other patent
applications are prior art.
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• Importance: The priority date is critical because it helps establish the novelty of the
invention. If a similar invention is publicly disclosed before the priority date, it may prevent
the patent from being granted. In the case of multiple applicants, the priority date determines
who has the rst claim to the invention.
• Example: If an inventor les a patent application on January 1, 2023, that date becomes the
priority date. If someone else les a similar patent on March 1, 2023, but the invention was
already disclosed before January 1, the earlier priority date would give the rst inventor
precedence.
2. Patent Speci cation:
• De nition: The patent speci cation is a detailed written description of the invention that
accompanies a patent application. It describes the invention in full detail, including how it
works, how it is made, and the speci c claims de ning the scope of the invention’s
protection.
• Contents: A patent speci cation typically includes:
◦ Title of the invention.
◦ Background of the invention (explaining the problem it solves).
◦ Detailed description of the invention (including how to make and use it).
◦ Claims (de ning the legal scope of the invention's protection).
◦ Drawings or diagrams (if applicable).
• Importance: The speci cation must be clear, complete, and suf cient to enable a person
skilled in the eld to understand and reproduce the invention. It is crucial for determining
the patent’s scope and for the examination process.
• Example: In a patent for a new type of smartphone, the speci cation would describe the
device's features, functionality, and methods of construction, as well as include diagrams of
the internal components.
3. Patent Revocation:
• De nition: Patent revocation is the legal process by which a granted patent is cancelled or
annulled, rendering the patent rights void. This can happen if the patent of ce nds that the
patent was wrongly granted, typically due to reasons like lack of novelty, inventive step, or
failure to meet patentability requirements.
• Grounds for Revocation:
◦ Lack of Novelty: The invention was already disclosed or known before the ling
date (prior art).
◦ Lack of Inventive Step: The invention is obvious to someone skilled in the relevant
eld.
◦ Insuf cient Disclosure: The patent speci cation does not adequately describe the
invention or provide enough detail to make it reproducible.
◦ Non-Compliance with Patent Laws: The patent may be revoked if the applicant
fails to meet necessary legal formalities.
• Process: A third party, such as a competitor or another party with a valid interest, can le a
request for revocation. The patent of ce will then assess the case and determine whether the
patent should be revoked.
• Example: If a competitor shows that a patented technology was already published in a prior
scienti c paper before the ling date, the patent may be revoked due to lack of novelty.
4. Assignee:
• De nition: The assignee is the person or entity that receives the rights to a patent from the
original inventor (the assignor) through an assignment agreement. The assignee becomes the
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new owner of the patent, holding all the rights to the invention, including the ability to
make, use, sell, or license it.
• Rights of the Assignee: The assignee is entitled to enforce the patent, transfer ownership, or
sublicense it to others. In many cases, companies or organizations may be the assignee if the
invention was created by an employee during the course of employment, in which case the
employer often owns the patent rights.
• Assignment Process: The transfer of rights is typically done through a legal document
called an assignment agreement, which must be led with the relevant patent of ce to
of cially transfer the ownership.
• Example: If a researcher working for a technology company develops a new software
algorithm, the patent rights to the algorithm might be assigned to the company, making the
company the assignee and the owner of the patent.
n India, copyright is a form of intellectual property that provides protection to creators of original
works, such as literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, along with cinematographic lms and
sound recordings. The criteria for obtaining copyrights in India are governed by the Copyright
Act, 1957, which was later amended in 2012.
Here are the key criteria that need to be met for obtaining copyright protection in India:
1. Originality
• De nition: The work must be original, meaning it must be the result of the creator’s own
intellectual effort and creativity.
• Explanation: For a work to be copyrighted, it must be the creator's own creation, not copied
from any other source. It must also have a minimum level of creativity or skill.
• Example: A novel written by an author or a painting created by an artist can be considered
original if it has not been copied from another source.
2. Fixation of the Work
• De nition: The work must be recorded or xed in a tangible form, which means it should be
written down, recorded, or otherwise embodied in some medium that is perceptible either
directly or with the help of a machine.
• Explanation: Copyright does not extend to ideas, concepts, or plans. It only applies to
works that are expressed or xed in a physical form, such as a manuscript, music recording,
or digital le.
• Example: A song that is composed and recorded in an audio le or a book that is written
down in a physical or digital format.
3. Eligibility of the Work
• De nition: Not all works are eligible for copyright protection under Indian law. The work
must fall within the speci ed categories for which copyright is granted.
• Explanation: The following works are eligible for copyright protection:
◦ Literary works (books, articles, computer programs, etc.)
◦ Dramatic works (plays, scripts, choreography)
◦ Musical works (songs, compositions)
◦ Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, drawings, architectural designs)
◦ Cinematographic lms (movies, videos)
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◦ Sound recordings (audio recordings, music, spoken word)
• Example: A novel, a painting, a lm, or a song can all be eligible for copyright protection.
4. Authorship
• De nition: The author of the work must be identi ed, and the author should have the rights
to claim ownership of the work.
• Explanation: The person who creates the work is generally considered the author and is
entitled to the copyright, but the situation can be more complex for works created in a work-
for-hire context or where multiple authors are involved.
• Example: In the case of a book, the author is typically the person who writes it. However,
for a work created in the course of employment, the employer might own the copyright.
5. Non-Contravention of Existing Copyright
• De nition: The work should not infringe upon the rights of another existing copyrighted
work.
• Explanation: If a new work copies or borrows substantial portions of an existing
copyrighted work without permission, it will not be eligible for copyright protection. The
new work must be distinct and not violate the rights of others.
• Example: If an artist replicates a famous painting or copies lyrics from an existing song, the
new work would not be eligible for copyright.
6. The Work Must Be a Quali ed Work
• De nition: Certain works may need to meet speci c criteria of nationality or residency to be
eligible for copyright.
• Explanation: For an author or creator to claim copyright in India, they must either be:
◦ An Indian national, or
◦ A person who is a resident of India, or
◦ A person who is a national of a country that is a member of the Berne Convention
or the World Trade Organization (WTO), which ensures international copyright
protection.
• Example: A U.S.-based author can claim copyright in India for their work under the Berne
Convention, as the U.S. is a signatory.
7. No Requirement for Registration (But Registration Provides Proof)
• De nition: Copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of the work and does not
require registration with the Indian government. However, registration offers a public record
and legal proof of the copyright.
• Explanation: While copyright arises automatically once the work is created and xed,
registration with the Copyright Of ce of India can serve as evidence in legal disputes or
for commercial transactions (such as licensing). The registration process helps establish a
record of the work's creation date and ownership.
• Example: An author can claim copyright over their book upon writing it, but registering the
book with the Copyright Of ce provides additional legal protection if there is a dispute.
8. The Term of Copyright
• De nition: Copyright protection lasts for a speci c period of time, depending on the type of
work.
• Explanation:
◦ Literary, Dramatic, Musical, and Artistic Works: The term is life of the author
plus 60 years.
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◦ Cinematographic Films and Sound Recordings: The term is 60 years from the
year of publication.
• Example: If an author dies in 2023, their copyright over the work will last until 2083. For a
sound recording released in 2020, the copyright will last until 2080.
2. Patents: A patent is a legal record that bestows the holder the exclusive right over
an invention as per the claims, in a limited geographical domain and for a limited
duration by thwarting possible interested parties from any form of manufacture,
use or sale of the product or outcome of the invention. In theory, the applicant
(or inventor) can draft a patent application but given the technical and procedural
complexity, in practice, patent lawyers and researchers collaboratively write such
applications.
related
documents.
Copyrights generally do not need registration with a government body. The rest of the
Intellectual Property Rights must be sanctioned by, and registered with, a government
office for recognition and enforcement.
◦ Exhibiting or showing copyrighted works (e.g., visual arts, videos) in public without
the copyright owner's consent.
6. Downloading or streaming pirated content:
◦ Bringing unauthorized copies of copyrighted works into a country, often for resale or
distribution, violating the copyright owner's exclusive right to import.
8. Selling or distributing counterfeit products:
Research misconduct refers to unethical behaviour in the research process that undermines the
integrity of scientific inquiry. Here are the main types of research misconduct:
1. 2. Fabrication: This involves making up data or results and recording or reporting them
as if they were real. For example, a researcher might invent experimental results that
were never obtained.
Falsification: This includes manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes,
or changing or omitting data or results to misrepresent findings. For instance, a
researcher might alter data points to achieve desired outcomes.
Analyzing building codes for safety in
earthquake-prone areas.Research Methodology & Intellectual Property Rights (22RMT507)
3. Plagiarism: This is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or
words without proper attribution. Plagiarism can occur in various forms, including
copying text from published papers or failing to credit collaborators appropriately.
4. Improper Authorship: This occurs when individuals are listed as authors without
having made significant contributions to the research, or when deserving contributors
are excluded from authorship. This can misrepresent the contributions of individuals
to the research.
5. Duplicate Publication: This involves publishing the same research findings in
multiple journals without proper disclosure. This can lead to inflated publication
records and misrepresentation of the research's originality.
6. Data Manipulation: This encompasses unethical practices in handling data, such as
cherry-picking data sets to support a specific conclusion or selectively reporting
outcomes based on desired results.
7. Non-Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: Failing to disclose financial, personal, or
professional conflicts that may influence the research outcomes can undermine trust
and transparency in research.
8. Inadequate Research Practices: This includes not following established protocols
for conducting research, such as failing to adhere to ethical standards for human or
animal subjects, which can compromise the integrity of the research.
9. Misrepresentation of Qualifications: This involves presenting false information
about one's qualifications or credentials, which can lead to an unqualified individual
conducting research.
10. Retaliation Against Whistleblowers: Punishing or retaliating against individuals
who report misconduct or unethical practices can perpetuate a culture of silence and
fear, allowing misconduct to continue unchallenged
A literature review is a comprehensive summary and analysis of the existing research, theories,
and academic work related to a speci c topic, eld, or research question. It involves reviewing and
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synthesizing published works such as books, journal articles, conference papers, theses, and other
credible sources to gain a deep understanding of what is already known about the subject.
◦ The literature review helps to identify areas that have not been thoroughly explored
or require further investigation. By reviewing existing research, you can pinpoint
gaps in knowledge, areas of disagreement, or underexplored topics, which can
inspire new research questions or hypotheses.
2. Provide Context for Your Research:
◦ It provides a framework to place your own research within the context of what has
already been studied. This helps establish the importance of your work and
demonstrates how it contributes to the ongoing academic conversation.
3. Avoid Duplication:
◦ By examining existing studies, a literature review ensures that you are not repeating
work that has already been done. It allows you to build on previous research and
avoid redundant studies.
4. Strengthen Research Methodology:
◦ Reviewing the methodologies used in previous studies helps you to understand best
practices in terms of research design, data collection, and analysis. This can guide
the development of your own research methodology.
5. Clarify Concepts and De nitions:
◦ Many research topics involve complex terms or theories. A literature review helps
clarify de nitions and provides a deeper understanding of the concepts and
terminology used in the eld.
6. Synthesize Information and Develop Insights:
◦ The review not only summarizes ndings but also critically analyzes and synthesizes
them, highlighting patterns, trends, and key debates within the eld. This can lead to
the development of new insights or perspectives.
5) Discuss the Logical approach for identifying articles and reading them for
effective research.
he logical approach for identifying and reading articles for effective research involves a systematic
and strategic process that maximizes the relevance, quality, and ef ciency of the literature review.
Below is a detailed guide to help you identify articles effectively and read them for maximum
insight:
Before you begin identifying articles, it's crucial to have a clear and focused research question or
problem statement. This will serve as the foundation for your entire search and reading process.
Your research question helps determine:
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• Keywords: What terms will you search for?
• Scope: What areas of research are relevant to your question?
• Focus: What speci c aspects or variables of the topic will you focus on?
Step 2: Identify Relevant Sources
To gather relevant articles for your research, you need to strategically identify the most appropriate
sources. This can be done by:
◦ Use speci c and relevant keywords related to your research question. If your topic
is too broad, narrow it by focusing on speci c terms (e.g., “sustainable energy in
urban planning” instead of just “energy”).
◦ Utilize Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT to combine or exclude search
terms, re ning your results.
◦ Use quotation marks for exact phrases and wildcards (e.g., “child*” for “child”
and “children”).
3. Reviewing Citations:
◦ Look at the references in relevant articles. Often, seminal works are cited frequently,
which can guide you to important articles you might have missed.
◦ If an article is frequently cited by other researchers, it can indicate that it's a key
contribution to the eld.
4. Assessing Relevance:
◦ Quickly skim abstracts to gauge whether the article ts your research needs. If the
abstract addresses your research question, it's worth a closer read.
◦ Ensure that the article is recent (or still relevant if it's older) and published in a
reputable, peer-reviewed journal or conference proceeding.
Step 3: Skim Read Articles
Before diving deeply into an article, a skimming approach can help you evaluate whether it's worth
your time. Here's how to do it effectively:
◦ The title provides a general idea of the article’s focus, and the abstract offers a
summary of the aims, methods, results, and conclusions.
◦ Skimming both helps you determine whether the article addresses your research
question.
2. Introduction:
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◦ The introduction typically outlines the research problem, background, and
objectives. This is often where the author will frame the context and rationale for the
study.
◦ Check if the problem aligns with your research focus.
3. Conclusion/Discussion:
◦ The discussion and conclusion sections summarize the ndings and how they relate
to the broader research eld. This will help you understand the signi cance of the
article and its potential relevance to your research.
Step 4: Read for Critical Analysis
Once you’ve identi ed relevant articles and skimmed them, you need to read them thoroughly for
analysis. Focus on the following:
1. Methodology:
◦ Understand the research design used in the study (qualitative, quantitative, mixed
methods, etc.). This helps assess the rigor of the study and its suitability for your
research.
◦ Pay attention to sample size, sampling methods, and data collection techniques.
Consider whether the methodology is appropriate for the research question.
2. Key Findings and Results:
◦ Take note of the main results and how the data supports the conclusions. Are the
ndings statistically signi cant? Are they relevant to your question?
◦ Look for trends, patterns, or gaps that could inform your own research.
3. Critical Evaluation:
◦ Strengths: What are the strengths of the study? Are the methods well-designed? Are
the conclusions well-supported by the data?
◦ Limitations: Every study has limitations. What weaknesses does the article
acknowledge (or not)? For example, are the sample size and methodology limiting
the generalizability of the results?
◦ Biases: Consider any potential biases, such as con icts of interest, or methodological
aws that could affect the objectivity of the study.
4. Literature Connections:
◦ Compare the ndings with other studies you’ve read. Are the results consistent or
contradictory? This comparison will help you contextualize the study within the
broader eld of research.
◦ Theoretical Framework: Note the theories or frameworks the authors used to
interpret their data. Understanding how they approach the research conceptually is
important for situating their ndings in your own work.
Step 5: Organize and Synthesize Information
Once you’ve gathered and read multiple articles, you need to organize and synthesize the
information effectively. This involves:
1. Group Articles by Theme:
◦ Organize the articles according to key themes, topics, or methodologies that are
relevant to your research question.
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◦ This could involve sorting them by major concepts, research trends, or con icting
viewpoints.
2. Summarize Key Points:
◦ Highlight areas where the literature disagrees or gaps where more research is needed.
These gaps could serve as opportunities for your own research.
Step 6: Keep Track of Sources
As you identify and read articles, it's crucial to keep a systematic record of your sources for
citation purposes:
◦ Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can help you store, organize, and
generate citations for the articles you read. These tools also allow you to highlight
and make notes on articles for future reference.
2. Note Key References:
◦ Make note of seminal papers or highly relevant sources, so you can easily return to
them or reference them in your own work.
Step 7: Re ect and Formulate Your Perspective
After reading and synthesizing the articles, take a step back and re ect on the broader picture:
• What does the literature tell you about your research question?
• What patterns have emerged from the studies you’ve read?
• How can you build on the existing knowledge?
Ethics refers to a system of moral principles that govern the behavior of individuals or groups,
guiding them to distinguish between right and wrong. It involves the study of moral values, rules,
and standards that regulate how humans should behave in various situations. In a broader sense,
ethics seeks to determine the best course of action in situations where there are moral dilemmas,
ensuring fairness, justice, and respect for individuals and society.
• Explanation: Researchers should be honest and transparent about their work, including
methods, results, and conclusions. This involves presenting ndings truthfully, without
fabrication, falsi cation, or manipulation of data.
• Examples:
◦ Reporting research results accurately, even if they do not support the initial
hypothesis.
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◦ Avoiding the manipulation or selective reporting of data to achieve a desired
outcome.
• Explanation: Engineers must respect the intellectual property rights of others, including
patents, copyrights, and trademarks. This involves giving proper credit to the ideas and work
of others, ensuring that plagiarism is avoided, and adhering to licensing agreements.
• Examples:
◦ Citing the work of others when referencing their ideas, methodologies, or ndings in
your own research.
◦ Not using proprietary technology or designs without permission.
3. Objectivity:
• Explanation: Researchers should avoid biases that may affect the integrity of their work.
This includes maintaining objectivity in the research process, from data collection to
analysis and interpretation, and ensuring that personal interests, nancial incentives, or
external pressures do not in uence the outcome of the research.
• Examples:
◦ Avoiding the in uence of funding sources that may have a vested interest in the
results of the study.
◦ Ensuring that personal or commercial interests do not compromise the objectivity of
the research process.
4. Con dentiality:
• Explanation: Researchers must maintain con dentiality with sensitive data or proprietary
information. This is particularly important in corporate or government-funded research,
where disclosing proprietary data prematurely may result in legal or economic
consequences.
• Examples:
◦ Not disclosing unpublished results, designs, or innovations to unauthorized
individuals.
◦ Ensuring that data con dentiality agreements are adhered to, especially in the case of
private-sector research.
• Explanation: Researchers should be transparent about their methods, data, and potential
con icts of interest. They should also be accountable for the accuracy of their research and
its consequences. Transparency involves sharing methodologies so that other researchers can
verify or replicate results.
• Examples:
◦ Clearly outlining the experimental setup, equipment used, and the methodology in
published research.
◦ Being open to scrutiny by peers, encouraging peer review, and taking responsibility
for any errors that may occur in the research.
7. Social Responsibility:
• Explanation: Engineers must consider the broader societal impact of their research,
ensuring that it contributes to the welfare of society. This involves designing technologies
and solutions that promote public safety, improve quality of life, and do not contribute to
harm.
• Examples:
◦ Designing products that are environmentally sustainable and do not have adverse
long-term impacts on the environment.
◦ Ensuring that technologies developed through research are accessible to all sections
of society and do not contribute to social inequalities.
• Explanation: Engineers must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards
governing research. This includes adhering to ethical guidelines for research involving
human participants, animal studies, and environmental considerations.
• Examples:
◦ Obtaining appropriate ethical approval for research that involves human participants
or animals.
◦ Ensuring compliance with safety standards, environmental laws, and industry
regulations.
The famous legal battle between Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. is one of the most
prominent cases in the context of industrial design rights, particularly with regard to patent and
design infringement. The case revolved around Apple accusing Samsung of copying the design of
its iconic iPhone and iPad. Here are the signi cant details and implications of the case in terms of
industrial design rights:
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. Background of the Case:
• In 2011, Apple sued Samsung, accusing the company of copying the design of its iPhone
and iPad in its own smartphones and tablets. Apple claimed that Samsung had infringed on
its design patents, which included the rectangular shape with rounded corners, the bezel
design, and the grid of icons on the touchscreen interface.
• Samsung responded by arguing that the design elements were too basic to be patentable and
that it had not copied Apple’s designs. Samsung also countered by accusing Apple of
infringing on some of its patents related to wireless technology.
Industrial Design Rights:
• Industrial design rights protect the visual appearance of a product, focusing on its shape,
con guration, pattern, ornamentation, and color. In this case, Apple held patents related to
the industrial design of the iPhone’s outer appearance (the rectangular shape with rounded
corners and the front screen with a grid of icons).
• These design patents were central to Apple's lawsuit. Apple argued that Samsung’s Galaxy
smartphones and tablets were strikingly similar to its iPhones and iPads, thereby infringing
on Apple’s protected industrial designs.
4. Implications in the Context of Industrial Design Rights:
• The case highlighted the importance and strength of design patents in protecting the visual
appearance of consumer electronics. This is crucial in the tech industry, where companies
invest heavily in product design to create distinctive brand identities.
• The outcome of the case reinforced the notion that design patents could be enforced
aggressively, even in cases where functional elements of a product (such as user interfaces)
are involved.
• The case raised questions about how broad the scope of design patents should be. Critics
argued that Apple’s design patents were too vague and covered too much of the product’s
overall appearance, allowing Apple to sti e competition by claiming protection over basic
design elements that should not be monopolized.
• The case led to discussions about the limitations and boundaries of design patents in relation
to innovation and competition. There were debates about whether design patents should
protect only speci c, novel, and unique elements or if they should extend to more general
and commonly used design features.
d. Global Impact:
• The Apple vs. Samsung case also had a signi cant global impact, as the two companies
battled over patents in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, South Korea, and Japan.
Different countries had varying views on design patents, with some countries being more
lenient about what constitutes an infringement.
• This created a complex global litigation landscape for design protection, in uencing how
companies approached intellectual property (IP) rights internationally.
The eligibility criteria for industrial design protection can vary depending on the country or
jurisdiction, but there are general principles that are typically followed. These often include the
following:
1. Novelty: The design must be new and not have been disclosed to the public
prior to the ling of the design application. It should not be identical or similar
to existing designs.
2. Originality: The design should be the creator's own work, not a copy or
imitation of another design. This ensures that the design is an original creation
and not a derivative of prior designs.
3. Aesthetic Nature: The design must be purely aesthetic and must not be
dictated solely by technical or functional considerations. The form or visual
appeal of the object should be its main focus.
In India, design registration is experiencing a significant upward trend, with a noticeable increase in
design applications filed over the past few years, primarily driven by growing awareness of
intellectual property protection, particularly in sectors like consumer goods and electronics, as the
Indian economy diversifies; this is reflected in the rising number of design registrations across
various industries, with the majority of applications originating from domestic companies rather
than foreign entities.
Legal Implications:
• Misappropriation:
If someone improperly acquires, uses, or discloses a trade secret
without authorization, it is considered misappropriation and can lead
to legal action.
• Remedies:
Depending on the jurisdiction, remedies for trade secret
misappropriation may include injunctions to prevent further
disclosure, monetary damages, and even criminal penalties in severe
cases.
In India, not all designs are eligible for protection under the Designs Act, 2000. The Act de nes the
criteria for what constitutes a protectable design, and it also lists certain designs that are non-
protectable. Here is a short note on non-protectable designs in India:
• A design that is solely dictated by the function of the product, or where the shape is
essential for the product to work, is not eligible for design protection. For example, the
design of a gear that is necessary for its mechanical function cannot be protected.
• If the shape or con guration of a product is indispensable for its function (such as a
product with a shape that allows it to perform a speci c technical function), it cannot be
registered as a design.
Designs that are identical or similar to existing designs or are not novel:
• If the design is not new or original and has been disclosed to the public before the
application date, it is not protectable. This includes designs that have been published,
exhibited, or publicly used prior to ling.
• Additionally, common or generic designs that do not offer any distinctive visual impression
are not protectable.
Designs that lack aesthetic value:
• If a design does not have any visual appeal or is purely functional in nature without any
ornamentation, it may be excluded from protection. Designs that are unattractive or purely
practical in appearance may fail to meet the criteria for protection under the Designs Act.
Designs contrary to public order or morality:
• Any design that is offensive, immoral, or contrary to public order and decency is not eligible
for protection. For instance, designs that promote hatred, violence, or discriminatory content
would be excluded.
Trademarks and Other Exclusions:
• Designs that are registered trademarks (which are protected under trademark law) cannot
be protected as industrial designs. This means that a design cannot simultaneously be a
trademark and an industrial design.
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Model paper 2
1. Descriptive Research
• De nition: Fundamental research, also known as basic or pure research, is driven by a quest
for knowledge without any immediate practical application in mind. The purpose is to
increase understanding of fundamental principles and theories within a eld of study, often
exploring concepts at the theoretical or conceptual level.
• Purpose: To gain more in-depth, general knowledge and to expand existing theories or
models.
• Methods: Laboratory experiments, theoretical modeling, and abstract analysis.
• Example: Research into quantum mechanics or the study of biological processes at a
cellular level, with no immediate goal other than to expand scienti c knowledge.
4. Applied Research
A good literature survey should be: comprehensive, current, focused on the research
question, critically evaluative, well-organized, clearly written, identifies gaps in knowledge,
highlights key themes and debates, and includes a balanced perspective by considering both
supporting and opposing viewpoints; essentially, it should provide a thorough overview of
existing research on a topic, identifying areas where further investigation is needed while
critically analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies.
The ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) citation style is commonly used in civil
engineering and related disciplines. For citing a journal article, the general format follows:
Format:
Author(s). (Year). "Title of the article," Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), Page range. https://
doi.org/doi_number (if applicable).
Example:
Smith, J. A., and Johnson, M. B. (2020). "Impact of Urbanization on Water Quality," Journal of
Environmental Engineering, 146(3), 234-245. https://doi.org/10.1061/
(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001620.
In this example:
Check book
Indian Parliament has passed the Patents (Amendment) Bill 2005 that would replace the
Patents (Amendment) Ordinance 2004 earlier issued by Government of India in December
2004. The Patents (Amendment) Bill 2005 introduces product patent regime for food,
chemicals and pharmaceuticals. India was required to introduce product patent
protection in these sectors from 1.1.2005 in accordance with the obligation under the
TRIPS Agreement of the WTO. To ful ll this requirement, Government of India had issued
an Ordinance in 2004. The Ordinance was to be approved by the Parliament. While
introducing the Patents (Amendment) Bill 2005 in the Parliament, Government introduced
certain changes from the provisions in the Ordinance.
a) Extension of product patent protection to all elds of technology (i.e., drugs, foods
and chemicals);
b) Deletion of the provisions relating to Exclusive Marketing Rights (EMRs) (which
would now become redundant), and introduction of a transitional provision for
safeguarding EMRs already granted;
c) Introduction of a provision for enabling grant of compulsory licence for export of
medicines to countries which have insu cient or no manufacturing capacity, to meet
emergent public health situations (in accordance with the Doha Declaration on TRIPS
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and Public Health);
d) Modi cation in the provisions relating to opposition procedures with a view to
streamlining the system by having both Pre-grant and Post-grant opposition in the
Patent O ce;
e) Addition of a new proviso in respect of mailbox applications so that patent rights in
respect of the mailbox shall be available only from the date of grant of patent, and not
retrospectively from the date of publication.
f) Strengthening the provisions relating to national security to guard against patenting
abroad of dual use technologies;
g) Rationalisation of provisions relating to time-lines with a view to introducing
exibility and reducing the processing time for patent applications, and simplifying
and rationalising procedures.
Types of trademarks
• Word marks: Words, letters, or numbers that represent a company or
product
• Device marks: Logos, labels, stickers, or shapes that represent a
company or product
• Sound marks: Distinctive sounds that identify a company or product
• Three-dimensional trademarks: The shape of a product or its
packaging
• Color trademarks: A combination of colors that identi es a company or
product
• Smell marks: A distinctive smell that identi es a company or product
• Shape marks: The shape of a product or its packaging that is
distinctive and not purely functional
• Certi cation marks: Marks that indicate a product meets safety and
other standards
• Pattern marks: A pattern that identi es a product or service
• Service marks: Used to distinguish a service from another service
• Collective marks: Used by a group of companies
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9 a) Define industrial design. What are the characteristics that need to
be included in design.
Industrial design refers to the aesthetic aspect of products that are mass-produced. It involves the
creation of a visually appealing and functional appearance for products, considering both their form
and function. Industrial design is applied to products that are manufactured on a large scale and
aims to enhance their usability, appearance, and marketability.
In legal terms, industrial design protects the visual design of objects that are not purely utilitarian.
The design can include the shape, color, pattern, and texture of a product's exterior. Industrial
designs are protected by intellectual property laws, which grant the designer exclusive rights over
the use of the design for a speci c period, typically ranging from 10 to 15 years, depending on the
jurisdiction.
1. Novelty (Originality)
◦ Explanation: The design must be new and original. It should not have been
disclosed to the public in any form, anywhere in the world, before the ling date of
the design application.
◦ Importance: This ensures that only new and innovative designs receive protection
and prevents the design of products that are simply reproductions of existing designs.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
◦ Explanation: An industrial design must have an aesthetic value. This includes the
visual elements such as the shape, color, texture, or material used to create the
product.
◦ Importance: The design should be visually distinctive and appealing to the
consumer. It contributes to the product’s marketability and its overall appeal to
potential buyers.
3. Novel Combination of Elements
◦ Explanation: The design may involve a combination of elements like shape, lines,
colors, patterns, and textures, which together create a unique overall appearance.
◦ Importance: Even if individual elements of the design are not new, the way these
elements are combined must be original, resulting in a unique design.
4. Industrial Applicability
◦ Explanation: The design must be distinctive enough to stand out from similar
products available in the market. It should have unique characteristics that set it apart
and make it easily recognizable.
◦ Importance: A distinctive design can contribute to a product's branding, consumer
recognition, and market competitiveness.
8. No Con ict with Public Order or Morality