CUSAT’s 5th Annual ‘Rethinking Intellectual Property Rights’ Workshop, 2018 on ‘IPR, Access to Seeds and Farmers’ Rights’

The Inter University Centre for IPR Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is organising the fifth National annual ‘Rethinking Intellectual Property Rights’ (RIPR) workshop from January 18-20, 2018. The theme this year is ‘IPR, Access to Seeds and Farmers’ Rights’.

The proceedings of the workshop will be published in Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

The workshop is open to law students and interested students of other disciplines (under graduates, post graduates and research scholars). The programme includes lectures, invited talks, case studies, corner discussions, students’ presentations, exercised, scenario analysis, role play, field exposure etc.

It aims to facilitate a social-implication oriented approach to IP law, as opposed to the conventional western linear perception of IP as a catalyst for development. It seeks to tackle the question of whether India should evolve its own IP jurisprudence, in the context of broader questions of national development and the public welfare.

The theme this year focuses on the social implications of the rising prominence of the seed industry in modern agriculture and its consequent recognition as IP at the International level.  This includes the impact of this phenomenon on agriculture in India and farmers’ rights, particularly their right to access seeds. Sub themes include:

  • Intellectual Property and Sustainable Agriculture
  • Impact of Patents on Agriculture
  • Sustainable Agriculture and Plant Variety Protection
  • Impact of TRIPS Agreement on Seeds
  • Patents and Protection of Plant Varieties and Sustainable Agriculture- Indian Perspective
  • Geographical Indications and Agriculture

Persons interested in presenting a paper on any of the sub-themes may apply by sending an abstract (maximum 300 words) on one or two sub-themes on or before August 22, 2017. The sub-themes approved by IUCIPRS will be allocated to the applicants. Original single author papers are preferred, though joint submissions with a maximum of two authors are also permissible.

Selection will be based on the quality of the paper submitted. Intimation for the selection of abstracts will be given on or before August 25, 2017. The full paper is to be submitted by October 31, 2017. Students may be asked to revise their paper after screening. Quality papers will be published in the renowned IP journals.

Interested students are required to register by paying Rs 500. The total number of participants is limited to 35. For registration, log on to: https://goo.gl/vM841m or visit ciprs.cusat.ac.in.

Further queries may be directed to the following persons-in-charge.

  • Faculty Coordinator: Anjana Girish, Ph: 9847063736
  • Joint Coordinator: Anson C.J, Ph: 9400610461
  • Student Coordinator: Somalatha Moly T S, Ph: 9447320165, email: somalathamoly@gmail.com
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