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CIIPR RGNUL and Announce 3rd National Intellectual Property Article Writing Competition
The at , Punjab, in collaboration with the esteemed law firm , has unveiled the 3rd National Intellectual Property Article Writing Competition, 2026. Open exclusively to undergraduate students, this competition builds on the remarkable success of its two previous editions, each of which attracted over 150 submissions from young researchers and students across India. The initiative aims to foster critical research and innovative thinking on emerging issues in (), offering participants a platform for publication, recognition, cash prizes, and even internships at one of the country’s leading firms.
A Platform for Aspiring IP Scholars
The competition is designed to encourage substantive engagement with contemporary developments in the field of intellectual property. According to the official announcement, the competition “aims to encourage critical research, innovative thinking, and substantive engagement with contemporary developments in .” This year’s edition continues the tradition of providing a rigorous academic challenge, with a two-stage double-blind review process that includes a technical screening followed by a content-based peer review. Shortlisted entries will then be invited to present their papers virtually before a panel of assessors. This format not only ensures high-quality submissions but also offers participants valuable experience in presenting their research to an expert audience.
Competition Structure and Eligibility
Participants must first complete a mandatory registration, after which they are required to submit a final draft of between 2,500 and 3,000 words, inclusive of an abstract of 200 to 250 words but exclusive of footnotes. The competition is open to all undergraduate students, and cross-institutional teams of up to two authors are permitted. The registration fee is structured to accommodate different participation scenarios: a single author pays ₹400 plus GST, co-authors pay ₹600 plus GST, RGNUL students with a co-author from another institution pay ₹700 plus GST, and RGNUL students (single or co-authorship) pay ₹300 plus GST.
Important dates for the competition are as follows: registration opens on and closes on ; submissions must be uploaded by ; and the virtual paper presentation is scheduled for . All submissions are to be made through a dedicated online portal, with the registration and payment handled via the university’s event management system.
Thematic Focus Areas
The competition invites articles on a wide range of topics within . While participants are free to choose any subject falling within the broader scope of , the organisers have suggested several indicative themes that reflect current legal debates and technological developments. These include:
- and the limits of over repair and emerging areas.
- , computational learning, and the limits of in training large language models.
- of product appearance after the expiry of .
- , tribal displacement, and the continuity of community-based product identity.
- and the of in the global digital marketplace.
These themes underscore the competition’s focus on cutting-edge issues such as the intersection of IP with artificial intelligence, the tension between design and trademark law, and the protection of and . The inclusion of topics like and large language models demonstrates a forward-looking approach that aligns with the most pressing questions in IP scholarship today.
Awards and Recognition
The competition offers substantial incentives for participants. The top three entries will receive cash prizes: ₹15,000 for first place, ₹10,000 for second, and ₹6,000 for third. Additionally, the top two authors will be offered an internship opportunity at , providing a direct pathway into professional IP practice. The top ten articles, as selected by the Review Panel, will be published in the official CIIPR Journal/Book and on the CIIPR website. All participants will receive Certificates of Participation, adding a valuable credential to their academic portfolios.
Significance for the Legal Community
For legal professionals, this competition represents a valuable opportunity to nurture the next generation of IP lawyers and scholars. By encouraging rigorous research and original analysis, CIIPR and are contributing to the development of a well-informed intellectual property ecosystem in India. The competition also serves as a barometer of emerging trends in , as the winning articles are likely to address the most novel and contentious issues facing practitioners today. Moreover, the collaboration between an academic centre and a leading law firm exemplifies the kind of industry-academia partnership that can bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application.
The 3rd National IP Article Writing Competition is not merely an academic exercise; it is a springboard for young talent to enter the world of intellectual property with confidence and credibility. For law firms, corporate legal departments, and policy makers, the competition’s output can provide fresh perspectives on complex IP challenges, from the implications of generative AI on to the protection of in a globalised market.
Conclusion
As the deadline for registration approaches, undergraduate students with an interest in are encouraged to seize this opportunity. The 3rd National IP Article Writing Competition, 2026, offers a unique blend of academic rigour, professional exposure, and tangible rewards. With the support of , CIIPR RGNUL continues to strengthen its role as a hub for IP research and education. For legal professionals, keeping an eye on the competition’s outcomes may provide early insights into the thinking of the next generation of IP experts and the future direction of in India.
