Call for Papers: A New Direction in Intellectual Property Treaty-making?, 8-9 May 2025
A New Direction in Intellectual Property Treaty-making? Winning Against the Odds for Human Rights, Equity, and Indigenous Peoples
(Expression of Interest by Friday, 7th February 2025)
Abstract (maximum 250 words) by Friday 28th of February
The School of Law, University of Leeds, is hosting a two-day international conference on “A New Direction in Intellectual Property Treaty-Making?” on 8 – 9 May 2025 at the University of Leeds campus. The conference is part-funded by the Society of Legal Scholars.
Theme:
Since the World Trade Organization introduced the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) in 1995, global intellectual property (IP) standards have elevated significantly, often favouring rights holders from high-income countries. This conference will focus on two major post-TRIPS treaties negotiated under WIPO: the 2013 Marrakesh Treaty and the 2024 WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property Rights, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge. These treaties represent a departure from traditional IP norms that predominantly benefit corporations in the Global North. By expanding the scope of non-infringing activity or re-balancing rights with the interests of vulnerable groups, they promote fundamental legal change in favour of the (hitherto) unfavoured.
Submission Guidelines:
The organisers invite submissions for panel papers addressing the conference theme and key questions. We encourage contributions from a range of disciplinary perspectives, including legal, social, economic, and cultural analyses. Submissions from early-career researchers and postgraduate students are particularly welcome.
Panel participants should expect to speak for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Please submit a brief abstract (maximum 250 words) outlining your proposed paper and a 100-word biography to Email: [email protected] by Friday 28th of February.
Additional Information:
An edited collection of selected papers from the conference is planned for publication. UK-based travel and accommodation costs will be provided for some selected applicants. For further information or queries, please contact Email: [email protected] .
For more details, refer here
