Case Law
MNLU Nagpur: IP AI Conference Call for Papers Issued for 2026
The DPIIT-IPR Chair at Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur, in India, has issued a call for papers for a two-day national online conference on “Emerging Frontiers of Intellectual Property Law in the Era of Technology, AI & Globalization,” scheduled for November 3-4, 2026.
While not a legal ruling, this call for papers and the subsequent conference are highly significant for legal practitioners, academics, and policymakers in India and beyond. It signals a concerted effort within the legal community to address the profound and rapidly evolving challenges that technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, and increasing globalization pose to traditional intellectual property frameworks. The discussions and research presented at such a forum often serve as a bellwether for future legislative reforms, judicial interpretations, and the development of best practices in IP law, making it a crucial platform for shaping the future of the field.
The legal context for this conference is the dynamic and often strained relationship between existing intellectual property statutes and the rapid pace of technological innovation. Key areas of discussion will likely touch upon the adequacy of the Copyright Act, 1957, the Patents Act, 1970, and the Trademarks Act, 1999, in addressing issues such as AI-generated content, patentability of AI algorithms, data ownership, digital rights management, and cross-border IP enforcement. The conference will also explore the impact of globalization on IP strategies, international treaties, and the harmonization of IP laws across jurisdictions.
The primary parties involved are the DPIIT-IPR Chair and Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur, as the organizers and hosts of the event. The conference will attract a diverse group of participants, including legal academics, researchers, practicing attorneys, corporate counsel, and students, all contributing to and benefiting from the discourse on these critical IP issues.
Legal professionals specializing in intellectual property, technology law, and corporate advisory should view this conference as an essential indicator of future trends and potential areas of legal development. Engaging with the themes and research presented can provide invaluable insights into upcoming policy shifts, judicial approaches to novel IP challenges, and strategies for advising clients on protecting and leveraging their intellectual assets in an increasingly digital and globalized economy. Practitioners are encouraged to monitor the conference proceedings and publications to stay abreast of these cutting-edge discussions and their practical implications.