Faces of KBSU: Maryana Marzhokhova – creators and inventors under protection

Authorized representative of the Federal Institute of Industrial Property (Rospatent) in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and head of the Center for Support of Technologies and Innovations of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov (KBSU) Maryana Marzhokhova told a correspondent of the Nalchik newspaper about her work.

Maryana Marzhokhova is a person who stands guard over the intellectual property of scientists and inventors of Kabardino-Balkaria. Her Center for Support of Technologies and Innovations of KBSU entered the TOP-5 best in Russia according to the results of 2024, which indicates high efficiency of work and demand for services provided.

At the height of the admissions campaign at KBSU, Maryana Khazhmusovna recalls her path to the university:

I clearly remember both the last bell and the graduation ceremony – those were wonderful days. I entered the chemistry department with the intention of transferring to the medical faculty, but in the end I got carried away by chemistry. And after three years of working at the school, my career in the field of intellectual property began.

Maryana is sure that the current generation of students can only be envied:

They have advanced educational technologies, many grants for the implementation of ideas, increased attention to the practical application of knowledge, wide opportunities for international exchange of experience, as well as support for innovation and creative thinking.

When it comes to outstanding scientists of the region, Maryana recalls with special respect the legendary Lyudmila Dzhambulatovna Nagaeva-Ashkhotova, the author of more than 50 inventions, many of which were classified «Top Secret» in Soviet times and were developed in the rocket and space corporation under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. But among her contemporaries with whom Maryana directly interacts in her work, she singles out famous inventors of KBSU: Svetlana Khashirova, Aues and Dzhulietta Beev, Arsen Kharaev, Khasbi Kushkhov, Rimma Bazheva, Gasan Mustafaev, Vladimir Visarionov and Magomet Mustafaev, whose unique developments she helps to protect, providing them with legal protection.

My clients are not only scientists, but also creative, passionate people,” says Maryana. “For example, at our university there is a wonderful inventor, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor Yuri Israfilovich Musaev, who also writes poetry.

Maryana Marzhokhova helps her clients protect a wide variety of intellectual property objects: from computer programs and databases to inventions, trademarks and geographical indications. By the way, thanks to her work, KBSU registered the trademarks “Do the right thing – apply to KBSU” and “Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov”.

Maryana pays special attention to regional brands indicating their geographical origin, which have historical and cultural value. She is confident that the registration of such brands as Balkarian khichins, Kahun tomatoes or Kabardian cheese is a strategically important step to strengthen the key competitive advantages of Kabardino-Balkaria in the field of tourism, the agro-industrial sector and the preservation of cultural heritage.

It is interesting that Maryana is the sister of the famous TV presenter Diana Marzhokhova.

Diana is a very open and confident person, she holds herself well in front of the camera and in public,” Maryana shares. “I am a little different, I am more comfortable at my desk, with documents. But we both have one goal – to do our job perfectly. Therefore, when I need to prepare for an important report, I always turn to Diana. She is my best expert in public speaking!

Maryana also noted that their family especially values ​​knowledge of the family history and the preservation of traditions, and she plans to protect the family coat of arms and tamga as a trademark.

When asked about memorable refusals to issue a patent, Maryana answers with regret:

I take refusals very painfully, since I always support the interests of inventors. But each such case is a valuable experience that helps me improve my work.

Maryana herself admits that the spirit of a researcher and inventor lives in her. She is actively engaged in scientific work, protects her innovations and constantly strives for new knowledge.

Since childhood, I was interested in getting to the bottom of things,” she says. “A constant thirst for knowledge is what is constant in me. Curiosity helps me learn new things, look for answers and move forward, even when it is difficult.

Ambition and perfectionism, according to Maryana, are two sides of the same coin, which help her achieve high results and inspire others to new achievements. And Maryana Marzhokhova’s contribution to the development of science and innovation in Kabardino-Balkaria is a vivid confirmation of this.