[Insights] Latest Podcast with Dr. Gaurav Shrimali on IPRs and Patents

In this episode of the Genetic Education Podcast: Raw & Real, I (Dr. Tushar Chauhan) sat down with Dr. Gaurav Shrimali, Assistant Professor at Gujarat Technological University, a researcher in bacterial bioplastics and the inventor behind 10 patents.

This podcast discussion focused on the basics of patents, what students need to know about IPR and how innovations in biology can actually be protected.

About Dr. Gaurav Shrimali

Dr. Shrimali works in microbial biotechnology with a special focus on bacterial bioplastics. He has:
• Published multiple research papers and book chapters
• Authored a book
• Filed 10 patents across biotechnology and applied science

His perspective blends academia, industry needs and practical innovation.

Key Discussions From the Podcast

Here’s a clear summary of the important points we discussed.

What Is a Patent?

Dr. Shrimali explained that a patent is a legal right that protects your invention, idea or anything that comes from your thought.

If you develop something novel, useful and technically applicable, a patent stops others from copying it for several tenures. He also explained the basics of IPRs- Intellectual Property Rights, particularly patents in biological science. He further added,

A patent is not for ideas.

It is for something that:
• Solves a problem
• Has a clear application
• Shows novelty
• Is backed by data or proof that it works

And in the next section of the podcast, he explained what can and can not be patented. 

What Can Be Patented in Life Sciences?

Dr. Gaurav Shrimali comprehensively explained what things can be patents in life sciences. It includes any research idea, a biological process, method, SOP, modified strain, a device, device modifications and many more. 

Based on the discussion, these things can be patented if they meet the novelty and utility criteria:

• A new biological process
• A new method of production
• A new strain you genetically engineered (not discovered in nature)
• A new device, formulation or biotechnology tool
• Modified microorganisms with industrial application
• Novel applications of existing biological systems
• New protocols with measurable advantage
• Engineered genes or metabolic pathways

He stressed that if you create or modify something, you can protect it.

What Cannot Be Patented in Life Sciences?

Dr. Shrimali made this very clear for students:

You cannot patent:
• Natural genes
• Naturally occurring bacteria
• Naturally occurring organisms
• Basic scientific principles
• Abstract ideas
• Anything without experimental data
• Mere discoveries without application
• Research that has no real-world use

India and many other countries do not allow the patenting of natural living systems unless they have been modified or have clear industrial utility. Now, if you want to know more about this, you can read our well-researched article on this. I already gave a link. 

Related article: [Insights] Latest Podcast With Dr Jay: Exploring Symbiosis and Climate Change Impact on Corals.

Why Patents Matter for Scientists and Students:

Dr. Shrimali highlighted that patents are not just for industries. These are the lifelong, intellectual resources of a researcher that represent the scientist at a global level. Anyone trying to use it has to take prior permission. 

In some cases, they have to pay for it too. A patent is a way to earn passive income in various ways, including direct rights, partnerships or your own startup. In conclusion, patents help you:
• Prove ownership of your idea
• Build credibility as an innovator
• Attract funding and collaborations
• Transfer your invention to industry
• Convert research into real-world products
• Strengthen your research portfolio
• Contribute solutions to global problems

He explained that many researchers die inside the lab because they aren’t protected. A simple patent can change the direction of your career.

Advice for Young Scientists:

Dr. Gaurav Shrimali also advised students and young scientists not to do research alone but also look for patents or other IPs. He said that the research isn’t limited to publications, but can also be protected by IP. 

He shared, “If you create something new, even a small advancement or any modification, protect it.”

We also discussed the Indian scenario in the context of patents- why India is far behind other countries in the patent numbers and why the patent quality is so poor! He added that every research work in India should be protected by IPs and universities should have a separate department that can handle the patenting process. 

Key Takeaways:

• Patents protect inventions for 20 years.
• You can patent modified organisms, new methods and applied innovations.
• You cannot patent natural genes or organisms.
• Every life science student should learn IPR basics.
• Innovation plus protection leads to real impact.
• India’s scientific ecosystem is encouraging patent-driven research.

Why It Matters:

Molecular biology and biotechnology are growing rapidly worldwide. At every corner of the world, new inventions or discoveries are happening. In this case, Indian scientists should seek intellectual protection for their work. 

Without patents, scientific ideas, innovations or discoveries remain vulnerable and lose value. This episode shows why understanding IPR is essential for students, researchers and anyone working at the intersection of biology and technology. Patents don’t just protect inventions. They enable innovation to reach society.

Related article: [Insights] Latest Podcast With Dr. K. Thangaraj On India’s Population Genetics and Recessive Diseases.

Editor’s Note:

Talking with Dr. Shrimali reminded me how many ideas stay inside labs because no one thinks about patents at the right time. His clarity on IPR can genuinely help students understand how to move from research to innovation.

At Genetic Education, our goal is to bring these voices into the spotlight so more young scientists can see how science actually works in India.

— Dr. Tushar Chauhan