ABOUT THE ORGANISER / COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY
About National Law Institute University, Bhopal
Established in 1997, the National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, is one of India’s premier institutions for legal education and research. Recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Bar Council of India (BCI), the University promotes an interdisciplinary and innovative approach to legal education. Its academic curriculum and research initiatives connect traditional legal principles with contemporary challenges, with Intellectual Property Rights forming an important part of its research agenda.
About CSIPR, NLIU Bhopal
The Cell for Studies in Intellectual Property Rights (CSIPR) is a dedicated student body of NLIU, Bhopal, established to promote and develop knowledge in the field of Intellectual Property Rights. The Cell functions under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Ghayur Alam, Faculty In-Charge, CSIPR.
CSIPR publishes the annual NLIU Journal of Intellectual Property Law, launched in 2012, and runs the CSIPR Blog, which publishes double-blind, peer-reviewed articles on contemporary issues concerning Intellectual Property and Technology Law.
The Cell also organises national-level academic events in collaboration with leading intellectual property law firms, including the NLIU–Anand & Anand Trademark Opposition Competition and the NLIU–R.K. Dewan Conference on Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property Law.
About Saikrishna & Associates
Saikrishna & Associates is a Tier-1 full-service law firm founded in 2001 by Saikrishna Rajagopal, with its principal office in Noida and an office in New Delhi. The firm has established strong practices in Intellectual Property, Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT), Corporate Law and Competition Law.
The firm is particularly recognised for its copyright and media practice, along with its expertise in IP litigation, prosecution and enforcement. It serves clients across diverse sectors, including media and entertainment, telecommunications, electronics, pharmaceuticals, FMCG and retail, and the automotive industry.
As the Title Partner of the competition, Saikrishna & Associates will evaluate the final round and offer internship opportunities to the authors of the winning entries, subject to the firm’s availability and terms.
DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT / OPPORTUNITY
The Cell for Studies in Intellectual Property Rights (CSIPR), National Law Institute University, Bhopal, in collaboration with Saikrishna & Associates, announces the 1st NLIU–Saikrishna & Associates IP Blog Writing Competition, 2026.
Intellectual Property Law is undergoing significant transformation in response to technological advancements and evolving commercial and regulatory landscapes. Developments concerning generative AI and authorship, digital platforms and brand protection, access to medicines, traditional knowledge and global IP governance continue to raise important legal and policy questions.
The competition aims to encourage participants to engage with these developments through well-researched, analytical and accessible writing. Participants are expected to move beyond merely describing the existing legal position and develop a clear, reasoned perspective on a contemporary issue within the broader domain of Intellectual Property Law.
Theme: Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property Law
The following indicative sub-themes have been provided:
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Generative AI, Authorship and Copyright.
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AI-Assisted Inventions and the Limits of Patentability.
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Copyright, Streaming and Digital Piracy (including dynamic and website-blocking injunctions).
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Broadcasting, Media and Sports Rights in the Digital Age.
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Trademarks, Passing Off and Brand Protection in Digital Markets.
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Personality Rights, Deepfakes and the Protection of Celebrity Identity.
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Standard Essential Patents and FRAND Licensing.
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Intellectual Property, Public Health and Access to Medicines.
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Traditional Knowledge, Geographical Indications and Community Rights.
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Intermediary Liability and IP Enforcement Online.
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Intellectual Property and Competition Law.
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Global IP Governance and Emerging Challenges.
Participants may also write on any other contemporary issue within the broader scope of Intellectual Property Law, provided it is clearly connected to the theme.
Submission Guidelines
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Nature of the Blog: Submissions must be analytical rather than descriptive. Authors must take a clear position on the issue and arrive at a definite conclusion supported by legal authorities and reasoning.
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Word Limit: 1,200–2,000 words, exclusive of endnotes. Entries exceeding the prescribed word limit by more than 10% may be penalised or disqualified.
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Title: Each entry must have a concise title reflecting its central argument. An optional subtitle is permitted.
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Language: Submissions must be in English, using clear and accessible language. Technical concepts should be explained for non-specialist readers.
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File Format: Entries must be submitted in both MS Word (.docx) and PDF formats. The file must be named “[Title of the Blog]”.
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Anonymity: The manuscript, file name and document properties must not contain the name, institution or any other identifying information of the author(s).
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Originality: The entry must be the author’s original, unpublished work and must not be under consideration for publication or submitted to any other competition.
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Citation: Sources should preferably be hyperlinked within the text. Where reliable online sources are unavailable, endnotes may be used, following OSCOLA, 4th edition.
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AI Policy: AI-generated content must not exceed 10% of the submission. Any use of AI tools for research assistance or grammar checking must be disclosed on the submission form.
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Plagiarism: Similarity must not exceed 15%. Entries will be checked using Drillbit/Turnitin.
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE
The competition is open to:
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Students currently enrolled in undergraduate three-year and five-year LL.B. programmes at any recognised university or college in India.
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Students pursuing postgraduate LL.M. programmes.
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Research scholars.
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Students of allied disciplines.
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Professionals in allied fields.
Additional participation rules:
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Submissions may be made individually or jointly, with a maximum of two authors per entry.
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Co-authors may belong to different institutions.
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Multiple submissions by an author are permitted.
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Students of NLIU Bhopal are also eligible to participate.
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Participants must provide a valid institutional ID or bona fide certificate upon request.
Entries from ineligible participants will be disqualified at any stage.
MODE OF THE EVENT
Online. Registration and submission of entries will take place through Google Forms.
REGISTRATION / SUBMISSION LINKS & PROCEDURE
Registration Link
Registration and Submission Procedure:
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Participants must complete their registration through the prescribed Google Form.
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The registration fee must be paid before filling out the registration form.
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Participants must upload proof of payment, including a screenshot showing the transaction ID, through the registration form.
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Co-authors need to register only once, providing the details of both authors in the same form.
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The submission form will be shared with registered authors through email.
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Participants must submit their blogs exclusively through the submission form shared with them.
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Entries must be uploaded in both .docx and .pdf formats.
Registration will not be considered valid without payment of the prescribed fee.
FEE DETAILS
The registration fee is as follows:
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Single Authorship: ₹400.
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Co-Authorship (maximum two authors): ₹600 per entry.
Payment details are available in the registration Google Form.
PRIZES
The competition offers a total prize pool of ₹18,000, along with publication and internship opportunities.
| Position | Prize and Recognition |
|---|---|
| Winner | ₹10,000 + Internship opportunity at Saikrishna & Associates + Certificate of Merit |
| First Runner-Up | ₹5,000 + Internship opportunity at Saikrishna & Associates + Certificate of Merit |
| Second Runner-Up | ₹3,000 + Certificate of Merit |
Additional Recognition:
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Top 10 Entries: Publication on the CSIPR Blog along with a Special Mention Certificate.
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All Eligible Participants: E-Certificate of Participation.
Note: Internship opportunities are subject to the firm’s availability and terms.
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES
All deadlines are at 11:59 PM IST on the respective dates.
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Brochure and Commencement of Registration / Release of Call for Blogs | 5 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | 22 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission | 29 November 2026 |
| Declaration of Results | 14 December 2026 |
| Publication of Top Entries | 14 January 2027 |
The organisers may revise these dates. Any changes will be announced on the CSIPR website and official social media handles.
CONTACT INFORMATION
All queries must be sent to csipr@nliu.ac.in with the subject line:
“Query – NLIU SA IP Blog Writing Competition”
CSIPR Coordinators:
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Priyansh Shrivastava – Convenor, CSIPR
Contact: +91 83058 08314 -
Kavya Joharwal – Co-Convenor, CSIPR
Contact: +91 70623 81811 -
Jagyanash Kumar – Secretary, CSIPR
Contact: +91 72380 42204
