Intellectual Property Protection and Export Controls in the Semiconductor Industry
Workshop Series
Sponsored by
| Monday, July 27 Hyderabad ITC Kohenur | Wednesday, July 29 Chennai Leela Palace Chennai | Friday, July 31 Bengaluru Leela Palace Bengaluru |
India is poised to become one of the world’s premier semiconductor powers. With that opportunity comes a new imperative: the leaders, researchers, and policymakers driving that growth must command a clear understanding of the intellectual property frameworks and export control regimes that govern global technology development and trade.
Purdue University, one of the world’s foremost institutions in engineering, semiconductor research, and technology commercialization, invites senior professionals from industry, academia, and government to an intensive, invitation-level day-long workshop series hosted at three locations across India.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This workshop is designed for senior professionals operating at the intersection of technology, strategy, and policy. Ideal participants include:
- University faculty and research leaders: Those directing research programs, managing sponsored research agreements, or overseeing international collaborations involving semiconductor or advanced technology development. Doctoral candidates whose research involves IP-intensive or export-sensitive technology are also encouraged to apply.
- Senior industry executives and managers: Decision-makers in semiconductor design, manufacturing, materials, or adjacent industries who engage with U.S. technology partners, manage licensing agreements, or oversee compliance functions.
- Government officials and policy professionals: Those shaping technology investment policy, trade frameworks, regulatory environments, or national semiconductor strategy at the state or central level.
Space is strictly limited. This workshop is not intended for early-career professionals or those in technical or operational roles. We ask that registrants reflect carefully on whether the workshop’s strategic, policy, and leadership focus aligns with their current responsibilities.
There is no cost to attend.
FORMAT AND SCHEDULE
Each workshop runs as a single full day, structured to maximize depth of engagement and allow ample time for discussion, peer exchange, and Q&A with faculty.
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Registration and Welcome |
| 9:00 AM | Workshop Begins |
| 5:30 PM | Workshop Concludes |
| 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Evening Reception (registration required) |
Following the workshop, an invitation-only evening reception brings together workshop participants with approximately 40–50 distinguished Purdue alumni and friends, representatives from Purdue University leadership, the U.S. State Department, and local Indian state government officials. You can register to attend the reception with the workshop, subject to space availability.
Session Descriptions:
Session 1 — Salient Features of Intellectual Property Fundamentals
Instructor: Dr. D.H.R. Sarma
Intellectual property (IP) plays a critical role in enabling innovation, investment, and commercialization across the semiconductor ecosystem. This session provides a foundational understanding of intellectual property for scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, research institutions, startups, and established industries. The four major categories of IP—Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets—will be discussed using practical examples. Participants will also explore the three major categories of patents (Utility, Design, and Plant), principles of infringement, inventorship, patent ownership, and the requirements for obtaining patent protection. Special emphasis will be placed on recognizing inventions during research, the importance of timely patent filing, and the risks associated with public disclosure prior to protection. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how IP protections are created, maintained, and used to safeguard technological innovation.
Learning Highlights
- Understand the major forms of intellectual property protection.
- Understand the process involved in securing IP protection.
- Learn how organizations develop strategies to protect valuable innovations.
Session 2 — Intellectual Property Strategy in a Global Semiconductor Environment
Instructors: Dr. D.H.R. Sarma and Dr. S.K. Murthy
Building on the foundations introduced in Session 1, this discussion focuses on international patent protection and examines intellectual property challenges and opportunities in international research, development, and manufacturing environments. Drawing on perspectives from both the United States and India, speakers will explore practical considerations related to ownership, licensing, technology transfer, collaboration agreements, and commercialization strategies. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion and audience Q&A focused on real-world scenarios organizations may encounter when operating across borders.
Learning Highlights
- Compare key considerations within U.S. and Indian IP environments.
- Examine IP issues arising from collaborative research and technology transfer.
- Understand ownership and licensing considerations in multi-institutional projects.
- Explore practical approaches to managing IP risks during international partnerships.
Session 3 — Foundations of Export Controls and Technology Protection
Instructor: Andrea Viski
Export controls are a key mechanism that governments use to regulate the transfer of sensitive technologies, materials, software, and equipment. This session introduces the fundamental concepts of export controls and explains how they intersect with technology flows, intellectual property protection, supply chains, and international collaboration. Participants will learn key concepts, regulatory frameworks, organizational responsibilities, and best practices that influence research and business operations in advanced technology sectors.
Learning Highlights
- Understand the purpose and scope of export control regulations.
- Recognize how export controls relate to technology flows and IP protection.
- Identify common activities that may trigger export control considerations.
- Learn basic responsibilities for researchers, managers, and institutional leaders.
Session 4 — Export Controls in Practice: Navigating U.S.-India Collaboration and Technology Partnerships
Instructor: Andrea Viski
The final session focuses on practical applications of export control requirements within international collaborations involving emerging and advanced technologies. Using U.S.-India semiconductor partnerships as a case study, participants will explore common compliance challenges, risk-management approaches, and strategic considerations for stakeholders responsible for research, innovation, workforce development, and technology transfer programs. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion designed to help participants apply key concepts within their own organizations.
Learning Highlights
- Explore real-world export control considerations in international collaborations.
- Understand common compliance challenges associated with semiconductor technologies.
- Examine risk-management and governance approaches for organizations.
- Identify practical decision-making frameworks for future partnerships and technology initiatives.
SPEAKERS
Dr. Andrea Viski
Founder and Director, Strategic Trade Research Institute; Editor-in-Chief, Strategic Trade Review
Dr. Viski is a globally recognized authority on export controls, sanctions, research security, and economic security. As founder of the Strategic Trade Research Institute and a longtime affiliated expert with CRDF Global, she has led more than 75 hands-on training programs worldwide and has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, reports, and book chapters. She holds degrees from Georgetown University and the European University Institute, where she earned her Ph.D. and LL.M.
D. H. R. Sarma
Visiting Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University; Director of IP Protection Process, Purdue Research Foundation
D. H. R. Sarma brings to this workshop a rare convergence of deep technical expertise and hands-on IP practice spanning both industry and research institutions. As Director of IP Protection Process at the Purdue Research Foundation, he oversees the identification, evaluation, and protection of Purdue’s technology portfolio, and has reviewed more than 700 invention disclosures and drafted and prosecuted over 400 U.S. and international patent applications across electrical engineering, semiconductor and nanotechnology, software, chemical engineering, and materials science.
Before joining Purdue, Dr. Sarma served as Chair of the Patent Review Board at Delphi Electronics and Safety Corp., where he managed a portfolio of more than 1,000 inventions across multiple engineering disciplines. His career spans work with more than 15 major IP law firms, licensing technologies to leading corporations and startups, and developing patent prosecution strategies at the intersection of advanced engineering and global commerce.