[Call For Papers]1 Day International Conference On 'Music And IP: Art, Innovation & Business' By DPIIT-IPR Chair At HNLU And CIIPL'

The Centre for Innovation and IP Laws (CIIPL) at Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, announces the Virtual International Conference on "Music and IP: Art, Innovation & Business" to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on 26th April 2025. This year's global theme by WIPO, "Feel the Beat of IP," emphasizes the intersection of music, creativity, and intellectual property, exploring how music drives innovation and contributes to the business landscape.

The Conference provides a platform for interdisciplinary discussions on the dynamic relationship between intellectual property and the music industry, focusing on its legal, economic, and social dimensions. The initiative aims to bring together stakeholders—including students, scholars, academicians, practitioners, and professionals—to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster dialogue on the significance of Intellectual Property in nurturing musical innovation and enterprise.

Objectives of the Conference

1. To Explore the Nexus of IP and Music: Understand how intellectual property laws empower creators in the music industry and foster innovation.
2. To Encourage Interdisciplinary Research: Promote academic and professional discussions on contemporary issues in music and IP law.
3. To Provide a Platform for Emerging Voices: Offer opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals to present their perspectives on music and IP.
4. To Celebrate Creativity and Innovation: Highlight the importance of protecting musical works as an essential aspect of cultural and economic development.
5. To Discuss Business Dynamics: Examine the evolving business models and challenges faced by the music industry in the digital age.

Established in 2003, Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) has carved out a niche for itself in the realm of legal education across India. A university for legal education and research is celebrating its 20th year of establishment. The university's motto, 'Dharma Sansthapanartham,' translates to 'for the sake of establishing the primacy of laws of eternal values'. In line with this ethos, HNLU is dedicated to providing advanced legal education that shapes students into more than just legal professionals, it instills in them a responsibility to contribute to society. The university has launched several innovative programmes in the last four years like Lex Osmose, Ex Arca, HNLU Press, Sui-generis, HEXA, HAAI and R-HaS.

The School of Law and Technology (SLT) is the Research Hub of HNLU which is mandated with research, teaching and advocacy in the fields of intellectual property, privacy & data protection, cyber security, digital commerce, artificial intelligence, and policy impact on trade, commerce & society. SLT and its centers undertake research endeavors and projects on policy and practice of the above segments of technology & law Interface.

The Centre for Innovation and Intellectual Property Laws (CIIPL) is one of the spokes under the hub of SLT. CIIPL aims to serve as hub for legal scholarship, policy analysis, and capacity building in the domain of innovation and intellectual property laws. With a focus on fostering a comprehensive and incisive understanding of IP rights and their impact on society, CIIPL has robust plans to offer various programs and initiatives to students, scholars, legal practitioners, and industry professionals. CIIPL focuses on adopting an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together professionals from different areas to explore the multifaceted aspects of innovation and IP. The center plans to engage with stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and civil society to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration on emerging issues in the field. By promoting research and scholarship, CIIPL aims to contribute to the development of robust IP laws and policies that balance the interests of creators, innovators, and the public.

Department for Promotion of Industries and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, launched a Scheme for Pedagogy & Research in IPRs for Holistic Education & Academia (SPRIHA) in the year 2016 under which IPR Chairs have been set up in select universities and academic institutes. This was in accordance National IPR Policy launched by the Government of India in 2016, which proclaims, as one of the objectives under section 7.2 as, “Strengthen IP Chairs in educational institutes of higher learning to provide quality teaching and research, develop teaching capacity and curricula and evaluate their work on performance based criteria." Primary objectives of the Chair under SPRIHA are to encourage the study of, education in and research on IPR, as well as to promote outreach in IP law. HNLU received the prestigious Chair very recently for its progressive IPR curriculum and intensive research initiatives.

CALL FOR PAPERS

The organizers invite original and unpublished research articles, case studies, and theoretical papers addressing the following sub-themes:

Sub-themes:

1. Copyright in Music: Understanding its scope, limitations, and enforcement.
2. Streaming Platforms and IP: Challenges in licensing and royalty distribution.
3. Artificial Intelligence in Music Creation: Implications for copyright and originality.
4. Music as a Cultural Heritage: Protection under IP and traditional knowledge systems.
5. Fair Use and Parody in Music: Balancing rights and artistic freedom.
6. Music and Emerging Technologies: NFTs, blockchain, and their role in IP protection.
7. Music Contracts and Licensing Agreements: Legal frameworks and practical challenges.
8. Piracy and the Music Industry: Addressing the economic and legal impact.
9. Gender Representation in Music IP
   : Exploring inclusivity and diversity.
10. Music Startups and IP Strategy: Leveraging IP for entrepreneurial success.

The above list of sub-themes is merely indicative in nature. Papers aligned with the overarching theme of the conference on any relevant issue are most welcome.

Submission Guidelines

1. Abstract Submission

• Word Limit: 250–300 words (containing 5-7 keywords).
• Abstract shall contain the author details i.e. name(s), institutional affiliation, correspondence details, and title of the manuscript.
• Format: The abstract must clearly outline the objectives, methodology, and significance of the study.
• Font & Spacing: Times New Roman, size 12, 1.5 line spacing.
• Abstract Submission Link: https://forms.gle/6Af6imtMq2tUYur57

2. Full Paper Submission

• Word Limit: 4,000–6,000 words (excluding footnotes and references).
• Format:
• Main Content: Times New Roman, size 12. Line spacing: 1.5
• Footnotes: Times New Roman, size 10. Line spacing: 1.0
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides.
• Citation: Authors must adhere to the [Bluebook 21st Edition] citation format.
• All papers shall be submitted through Google form along with the Registration Fee (link to the form will be provided to selected authors after acceptance of abstract)

3. Co-Authorship

• Maximum of two authors per paper is permitted.
• No separate registration or fee payment is required for the second author.

4. Plagiarism Policy

• All submissions must be original and unpublished.
• Plagiarism exceeding 10% (excluding references) will lead to disqualification.
• Authors must ensure proper citations and acknowledgments for any referenced work.

Important dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 12^th April, 2025
• Abstract Acceptance Notification: 16^th April, 2025
• Registration Deadline (only after acceptance): 25^th April, 2025
• Full Paper Submission Deadline (along with Registration Fee): 25^th April, 2025
• Conference Date: 26^th April, 2025 (World IP Day)

• Presentation Guidelines and Recognition:

• Selected authors will present their papers virtually on 26^th April 2025.
• Rules relating to presentation will be notified to the presenters in due course of time.
• Certificates shall be provided to all participants and paper presenters.
• The best presentation will be awarded a cash prize of INR 5000 (USD 60), and the first runner-up will receive a cash prize of INR 2500 (USD 30).

Participation Details

• Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, academicians, practitioners, professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Registration Fees:
• Indian participants:
• Students and Research Scholars: INR 750
• Academicians and Professionals: INR 1500
• Fee for Participation only (without paper presentation): INR 500
• International participants:
• Students and Research Scholars: USD 10
• Academicians and Professionals: USD 20
• Fee for Participation only (without paper presentation): USD 6

Registration for Participants (Without Presentation)

Those who want to participate without paper presentation may register here and pay the registration fee: https://forms.gle/v37C2AqFzSw4kL1Q9

Fee payment Portal: https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect/icollecthome.htm?corpID=5675243

For more details, refer to the brochure here.