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Centre for Consumer Law Centre(CCL)

The Centre for Consumer Law is a specialised academic centre actively involved in furthering the cause of consumer welfare and hassle-free access to justice for consumers. In the 21^st century, where consumers are not only pitted against the big tech-giants but also face various other grievances emanating from the new tech-world, they find themselves utterly helpless and devoid of any redressal mechanisms. The centre strives to bridge this gap by actively engaging the interests of the students towards policy-oriented study and extensive research in the field of consumer issues and the associated jurisprudence.

The centre, in its pursuits of consumer welfare, has previously worked closely with the State Government of Odisha in drafting the rules for State of Odisha under Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It involved legal luminaries’ academic discourses, webinars, certificate courses, essay writing competitions, and other learning avenues. The centre has tightened its belt to take its legacy to even newer heights in the coming years, with fascinating learning opportunities on its cards and contributing the best to consumer welfare and access to justice.

Activities / Events / Research Activities

Date: 2-3^rd April, 2019.
Event: Two Day Certificate Course on “Consumer Justice in the Era of Globalization.”About: The Course was conducted by Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Chair Professor, Chair on Consumer Law and Practice, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru and Director, Online Consumer Mediation Centre (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India) who specializes in Consumer Laws and has immense teaching and research expertise in Consumer Rights and Protection laws. The course, designed by experts, focused on the importance and applications of consumer laws in a globalized market. Over two days, the certificate course aimed to deliberate on the efficacy of consumer justice. By the end, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the subject and had the opportunity to explore ways to enhance current consumer laws and practices.Targeted at students, legal practitioners, researchers, academicians, and NGOs, the course provided an updated perspective on substantial changes in consumer jurisprudence. Through informative lectures, presentations, and exercises, participants applied the topics in practical scenarios and received guidance on their rights and obligations.
Date: 4^th October 2018 to 19^th January 2019
Event: Intra-University Essay Writing Competition.
About the Event: The Centre for Consumer Law at National Law University Odisha successfully organised the 1st Intra-University Essay Writing Competition. The competition aimed to foster awareness and interest in Consumer Protection Laws among students. The essay focused on “Consumer Protection and Service Sectors”, with sub-themes like finance, medical, insurance, and hospitality. The competition received an overwhelming response, underwent a thorough review process, and awarded winners with cash prizes, certificates, and acknowledgments. The event served as a valuable platform for students to delve into consumer law implications across diverse service sectors, enriching both participants and the Centre members.
Date: 24^th and 25^th October 2019
Event: Two-day Workshop on “Consumer Welfare Framing on Draft Rules on Consumer Protection Act, 2019”About the Event: The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Government of Odisha in collaboration with the Centre for Consumer Law, National Law University Odisha conducted an event aimed to raise awareness about consumer rights and remedies while delving into various themes such as the 2019 Act overview, unfair trade practices, product liability etc. Stakeholders provided insights to inform model rules for Odisha and emphasized the role of the Consumer Protection Act in safeguarding consumers’ interests
Date: 01st February 2019
Event: “Brainstorming Session on the Odisha Direct Selling Guidelines” in collaboration with FS & CW Department, Government of Odisha
About: National law University Odisha organised a Brain Stroming Session on Odisha Direct Selling Guidelines,2017 in collaboration with Department of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, Government of Odisha and PLR Chambers, New Delhi. The programme was attended by Mr Jyoti Lakra, DCA cum Additional secretary, Department of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, Government of Odisha (on behalf of the Ministry) ,Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh, Professor and HOD Department of Law and Management at UPES School of Law Mr. Aditya Rao, Partner, PLR Chambers , Mr. Aymen Mohad, Expert on Direct Selling , Ms. Chitralekha Dass, Senior Associate PLR Chambers, Dr. Yogesh Pratap Singh, Registrar, National Law University Odisha, Dr. Anup Kumar Pattnaik, Visiting Faculty, National Law University Odisha Mr. Mayank Tiwari, Assistant Professor of Law, National Law University Odisha, Ms. Sudatta Barik, Ms. Rashmi Rekha Baug and Students of National Law University Odisha. The programme focused on the issues of Direct Selling Guidelines issued by State of Odisha.
Project: Drafted Consumer Protection Rules 2019, which has been adopted by the State of Odisha.
About: After the introduction of the new Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Centre for Consumer Law at the National Law University Odisha actively assisted the State Government of Odisha in developing the updated State Consumer Protection Bill. The Centre was in constant touch with the Minister of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department of the Odisha Government, as well as other prominent consumer protection activists in the country. The Centre developed draft rules for the state, which were submitted to the concerned department for implementation.
Date: 5th December 2020
Event: Webinar on Consumer Protection 2019 as a Landmark statute for the protection of Consumers
About the Event: National-level webinar was organized by the Centre in association with the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Government of Odisha on 5th December 2020 on the topic “Consumer Protection 2019 as a Landmark statute for the protection of Consumers” to spread awareness among the students regarding the same. The programme witnessed the presence of Shri Ranendra Pratap Swain, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, FS&CW Department and Corporations, Government of Odisha and other experts from the field of Consumer protection.
Date: 27th & 28th September 2021
Event: A Two-Day Workshop on Consumer Disputes Resolution through Mediation
About the Event: The event, featuring experts like Shri Rajendra Pratap Swain, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, FS&CW Department and Corporations, Government of Odisha and Hon’ble Justice Gita Mittal, Former Chief Justice, J&K High Court explored consumer law and mediation’s importance. Diverse participants, including legal professionals, government officials, and activists, engaged in enriching discussions, contributing ideas for consumer protection’s advancement. The workshop ended on a positive note, leaving both speakers and participants appreciative of the insightful sessions.
Date: 26th to 31st December 2021
Event: 45 hours meditation training program by CFCL in collaboration with “Samadhaan”
About the Event: The objective of the programme was to impart all necessary skills and techniques to the participants for conducting mediation. The methodology of the training includes role plays, problem-based learning, group discussion – in short, doing by learning. Mediation is a skill and technique better learnt through training and experience. The training also focused on assessment through observation by the resource persons during exercises. It was conducted with an objective to enable the participants to pursue a career in mediation.
Date: 15th March 2023
Event: World Consumer Rights Day Conference 2023: Empowering Consumers through Clean Energy Transitions
About the Event: The Centre for Consumer Law, in collaboration with the Federation of Consumer Organizations Odisha, hosted a conference on World Consumer Rights Day at NLUO Campus. The conference, themed “Empowering Consumers through Clean Energy Transitions,” featured distinguished speakers addressing the intersection of consumer rights and energy sustainability. Keynote addresses was delivered by notable figures including the President of the Odisha State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Dean of the Department of Law at Allahabad University; President of the Federation of Consumer Organizations Odisha; and members of the Odisha State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Distinguished speakers shared their insights, discussing the pivotal role consumer play in steering the energy transition. A dynamic Question and Answer Session provided a platform for engaging discussions on the challenges and opportunities presented by this evolving landscape.
Date: 12th and 13th August, 2023
Event: Field visit for Sensitization in collaboration with Kutumb Project
About the Event: Under the aegis of Project Kutumb, NLUO – Centre for Consumer Law (CFCL) visited four villages adopted by the University i.e. Valmiki Nagar, Babatilaka Nagar, Brajabeharipur (Talasahi) and Brajabeharipur (Upar Sahi). In accordance with the Centre’s mission to promote awareness and protect the rights of consumers, a two-day field visit was conducted by the Centre for Consumer Law on 12th August and 13th August, 2023. The objective of the visit was to aware villagers about their consumer rights. The visit was conducted under the guidance Dr. Mayank Tiwari, Director, NLUO-CFCL and Dr. Sudatta Barik, Co-Director, CFCL where the student members performed skits and engaged in interaction with the villagers. The villagers were also made aware about precautions need to be taken at the time of purchasing goods and availing services. All discussions were made in simple language with the help of real-life examples in reference to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and rules thereunder.
Date: 12-14th January 2024.
Event: Three Days Capacity Building Training Programme
About: The ‘Three Days Capacity Building Training Programme for the Members of Commission to Strengthen Justice Delivery System in Consumer Commissions’, was organised by the Centre for Consumer Laws, National Law University Odisha (NLUO) in Collaboration with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi from 12th to 14th January, 2024.
The training programme witnessed an enthusiastic and active participation by the President and Members of the State and District Commission from various districts of Odisha. The programme had some remarkable strengths which made it a great success. The programme was attended by 40 participants in total. The programme was inaugurated by Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi. He started the inaugural speech by giving a brief introduction about the initial legislation related to consumer law. He also mentioned about the filing and disposal of cases which were remarkable in the country. He went on to discuss how the paradigm of power relation between the buyer and seller has changed in the modern times and its equation has become skewed. He further discussed how the emerging issues in Consumer Laws with the emergence of E-Commerce platforms.

Our Team

Advisory Board Members

Centre for Maritime Law (CML)

The National Law University Odisha, Cuttack (NLUO) established the Centre for Maritime Law in 2015 with an aim to build a centre of excellence and research in the field of maritime law in India. The Centre works to promote teaching, research, training, and extension activities in the area concerning the law of the sea, maritime trade and practices, maritime safety, maritime insurance, marine environment and polices, and maritime labour linked with the other coastal/non-land lock regions in India for the enhancement of the shipping and maritime clusters. The centre aims to provide excellent platform for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teaching, research and trainings in become the Centre of Excellence for Maritime Studies in India.

Activities / Events / Research Activities

Organized 2 editions of NLUO – Ganesh & Co. National Maritime Law Essay Writing Competition August 2021 and June 2019.
Webinar on Dimensions and Opportunities in Maritime Law (July 2020)).
Video Series on ‘Impact of Covid-19 on Shipping Industry’ (May 2020).
The Centre successfully organised 1st International Conference on Maritime Law on February, 2020, in partnership with Paradip Port Trust and HP Law Advocates on “Reshaping the New Horizons: Maritime Law Perspective in 21st Century.
Edited and Published Book Titled ‘Through the Lens of Maritime Law: A World View’ with Eastern Book Company (EBC) online (February 2020).
5 Editions of Newsletter “MariNe”
Guest Lecture by Prof. Proshanto K, Mukherjee, Captain Madhu Vadekkepat & Captain Mirza M Baig (2023 -2024)
Interviewed – Captain Madhu Vadekkepat
Podcast series – CML Talks – Aishwarye Dubey Sir

Advisory Board Members

Centre Directors

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NLUO Centre for Mediation and Negotiation

NLUO CENTRE FOR MEDIATION AND NEGOTIATION

The Centre for Mediation and Negotiation is an initiative of National Law University Odisha to promote academic research on themes pertaining to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The Centre aims to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world application, with a focus on the study of mediation and negotiation. In addition to conducting research, the centre seeks to organise events such as Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), seminars, training workshops, and diploma and certificate programmes on ADR to encourage hands-on learning. It also aims to familiarise students with the inner workings of various processes. The centre’s long-term goal is to improve students’ communication abilities and instil in them the faculty of mediation and negotiation.

VISSION AND MISSION

Mission

The NLUO Centre for Mediation and Negotiation is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in the domain of Mediation and Negotiation. Our mission is four-fold:

Conducting interdisciplinary research on dispute causes, mediation dynamics, and legal frameworks to contribute to scholarly discourse and policy development.
Offering practical learning experiences through our Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), diploma and certificate courses to enhance communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills for students, professionals, and the community.
Establishing collaborations with academic and professional institutions involved in the field of ADR by organizing events, conferences, and seminars.
Promoting mediation regionally and globally through hosting Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) services.

ACTIVITIES/ EVENTS/ RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

21st March 2024	‘Learning Through Practice’: Mediation Clinics and Mediator Education As a part of establishing collaborations with academic and professional institutions involved in ADR across the globe, the co-director of the NLUO CMN represented the centre in the 4th Annual Mediation Clinic Conference on ‘Learning Through Practice: Mediation Clinics and Mediator Education’, organised by University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, which was held on March 21, 2024, highlighting the international and national achievements of the centre. Apart from it, the unique concept of the Centre i.e., “Learning through Practice” was emphasised which includes: the purely clinical ADR course curriculum offered in the University, live mediation services offered by the Mediation Cell, outreach-cum-awareness activities conducted by the Centre, etc.
24th February – 25th February 2024	Single Credit Course on “Negotiation and Mediation Training” In response to the enactment of the Mediation Act 2023, and implementation of the CBCS policy at the National Law University Odisha (NLUO), the Centre for Public Policy, Law and Good Governance (CPPLGG) and NLUO Centre for Mediation and Negotiation (CMN), at NLUO, jointly hosted a Single Credit Course on ‘Negotiation and Mediation Training’. The course spanned over two days, for 16 hours, aiming to provide participants with practical skills in negotiation and mediation. Mr. Mohit Mokal, facilitated the course, exercising his extensive experience as a Certified Mediator and mentor. Throughout the course, participants actively engaged in theoretical discussions, role-play exercises, and self-reflecting sessions.
26th January- 27th January 2024	CMN Stall at NLUO Flower Show After a successful outreach at the first annual flower show the Centre for Mediation and Negotiation set up an awareness stall once again. At the second annual flower festival held on January 26th-27th, 2024 to promote alternative dispute resolution programs. The stall highlighted the benefits of mediation over litigation and showcased the NLUO Mediation Cell’s services. Many visitors showed interest and booked cases with the assurance of great service and results. The stall effectively communicated the goal of promoting harmony and securing relationships through affordable mediation services.
30 August 2023	International Mediation Clinic Network The 2^nd International Mediation Clinic Network meeting was held on August 30, 2023, at 08:30-09:30 IST, hosted by Strathclyde University, Stockholm, UK. The meeting was attended by the coordinators of various mediation clinics across the globe including clinics from the USA, UK, India, and Germany. The discussion primarily revolved around the possibility of including students directly into the process of mediation thereby giving them a first-hand experience. The various courses on ADR being taught in the participating Universities were also discussed along with the prevailing andragogy, which was certainly a mutual learning experience for each one present. The meeting further focused on how international collaboration could help in fostering the idea of mediation both in theory and practice.
9 August – 13 August 2023	GAJE–NLUO Mediation and Negotiation Conclave The NLUO Centre for Mediation and Negotiation organised the first “GAJE-NLUO Mediation and Negotiation Conclave” at NLUO collaborating with the Global Alliance for Justice Education “GAJE” in furthering the goal of Justice Education for all. The conclave received participation internationally, enlightening over 250 bright minds. The conclave was organised in hybrid mode via Zoom online and at the NLUO Campus offline in collaboration with the Alternative Dispute Resolutions Board NLUO, lasting 5 days in two phases. The first phase over the duration of three days consisted of workshops on mediation, tools such as active listening that facilitate the process of mediation as well as scholarly discussions on “Transforming Justice and Restorative Practices in the Criminal Justice System” and “Reformative Justice.” It also included paper presentations on the theme of mediation. The second phase spread over the duration of two days was in the form of the first “NLUO National Negotiation Competition” conducted by the Alternative Dispute Resolutions Board which gave students from 28 prestigious Law Schools across the country a chance to get a hands-on learning experience in Negotiation.
16 July 2023	2^nd Outreach Drive under Project KUTMB During the semester-long intervention and awareness program, NLUO’s Centre for Mediation and Negotiation (CMN) conducted its 2nd outreach drive on July 16, 2023, in the village of Baba Tilakanagar. The main purpose of the drive was to educate the villagers about the mediation process, emphasizing that it is a hassle-free approach driven by the parties involved and provides speedy justice. Students performed a skit to simulate a mediation session, simplifying the description of the process and demonstrating the challenges people face when trying to resolve disputes in court. As the audience primarily consisted of children, a negotiation demonstration using “The Orange Quarrel: Beyond Win-Win” example was presented. The students also answered questions and distributed pamphlets to raise awareness about Project KUTUMB and the NLUO Mediation Cell facilities. Through door-to-door interactions, it was discovered that most disputes in the village are minor and are typically resolved through the villagers’ own mechanisms. However, the Centre has assured its support whenever needed.
8 July 2023	1^st Outreach Drive under Project KUTMB The NLUO Centre for Mediation and Negotiation (CMN) under Project KUTUMB successfully conducted its outreach drive on July 8, 2023, in the village of Brajebeharipur Tala Sahi. The main purpose of the drive was to make the villagers aware of the process of Mediation and understand that mediation is a hassle-free process driven by the parties that provides speedy justice. 45 – 50 villagers had attended the session. A skit providing a simulation of a mediation session was performed by the students to demonstrate a very lucid and simple description of the process of Mediation and its functioning. It further showcased the difficulties faced by the people while trying to resolve the same dispute in the Court of Law. The students also made their best efforts to answer the questions and queries raised by the audience, by giving them very simple explanations for the doubts they had regarding the process of mediation. The students also went for door-to-door interaction with people and distributed pamphlets making people aware of Project KUTUMB and the facilities available at NLUO Mediation Cell. The Centre has identified a few land and construction disputes in the village and is hopeful to resolve them in the near future with the support of people and the intervention under Project KUTUMB.
23 May 2023	International Mediation Clinic Network NLUO Mediation Cell became the first and the only Mediation Clinic from India to be a part of the first meeting of the member-driven Clinic Network facilitated by Charlie Irvine, Mediation Clinic Director of Strathclyde University, Glasgow. The network included clinic leaders in Universities from the UK, Nigeria, Australia, Czech Republic, Poland, USA and India. The meeting was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Ved Kumari along with Mr. Abhay Kumar and Dr. Akshay Verma, on behalf of the NLUO Mediation Cell. Prof. Ved introduced the Cell and discussed its work along with various initiatives taken up by the Cell in the last year since its inception. The prime focus of the meeting was to understand the workings of mediation clinics across various institutions in the UK and around the globe. It further emphasised the possibilities of collaboration amongst the clinics. The meeting ended with the creation of the International Mediation Network. NLUO Mediation Cell is hopeful as a member of the Network to share best practices and collaborate and promote Mediation Clinics’ work across universities around the globe. NLUO Centre for Mediation and Negotiation is thankful to Ms. Pauline McKay for providing this opportunity.
21 January 2023 & 23 January 2023	CMN stall at NLUO Flower Show During the annual flower festival that took place from January 21st to 23rd, 2023, the Centre for Mediation and Negotiation set up an awareness booth. The centre’s aim is to raise awareness about alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs such as mediation and negotiation. It conducts research in ADR areas to develop various techniques to make this emerging process more feasible and affordable than conventional litigation. The members at the booth explained the benefits of mediation over litigation and how the mediation cell has successfully resolved disputes. They emphasized the affordability, win-win results, and ease and efficiency of mediation over expensive and tiring litigation. The booth showcased the facilities available at the NLUO Mediation Cell. The centre, being well-known, has several highly trained mediators who are skilled in carrying out the mediation process in various disputes such as consumer and matrimonial disputes. Many visitors showed great interest and booked their cases at the NLUO mediation cell. The centre assured them of great service and the best results. Overall, the main goal of promoting harmony and preserving relationships through the mediation process by providing services at low costs was effectively communicated to the public through the awareness booth at the Flower Fest.
4th September, 25th September and 16th October 2022	Medico-Legal Camps under Project KUTUMB The students from various centres of NLUO are actively involved in Project KUTUMB, where they engage in activities to promote village welfare, including legal awareness, education, health, and well-being. The members of the Centre for Mediation and Negotiation at NLUO regularly organize skits and demonstrations to highlight the importance of mediation as a method for resolving disputes. They also provide information about the process of mediation and the mediation facility available at the University. The program received a positive response from the village community, who welcomed the NLUO team warmly. The villagers actively participated in the program, asking questions, sharing their concerns and issues, and even showing the team around the village to give them a sense of the living conditions and the government-provided facilities.
15 August 2022	Inauguration of NLUO Mediation Cell On August 15, 2022, the NLUO Mediation Cell at the National Law University Odisha was inaugurated by Hon’ble Dr Justice S. Muralidhar, Chancellor, NLUO & Chief Justice, High Court of Orissa. The event was attended by Prof. Ved Kumari, Vice Chancellor, NLUO, Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Pratap Singh, Registrar, NLUO, and local residents, including some CMC Corporators from nearby wards. During the inauguration, Justice Muralidhar unveiled the foundation stone of the Mediation Cell, marking the launch of an institutionally run Alternative Dispute Resolution forum in India. Following this, members of the Centre for Mediation and Negotiation (CMN), NLUO delivered a multilingual presentation on the significance, vision, and goals of the Centre and the Mediation Cell, as well as the initiatives already undertaken by the Centre as part of its social activism. Justice Muralidhar also inspected the mediation room, which was fully equipped to begin formal mediation sessions. Additionally, student volunteers presented a skit titled, “Mediation: An Alternate Dispute Resolution Mechanism” to raise awareness among the local community, and multilingual handouts containing information about the Centre and the Cell were distributed to the attendees. Justice Muralidhar commended the Centre for its initiative.
2 August 2022	Legal Literacy and Outreach Drive for the unprivileged masses conducted in collaboration with Legal Aid Society and Pro Bono Club The Centre had organised a legal literacy and outreach drive concerning mediation of disputes in collaboration with the Legal Aid Society and the Pro Bono Club, NLUO, at the Jankia Legal Aid Clinic established by NLUO. The Centre undertook the task of dissemination and awareness with the help of roleplays and the distribution of handouts in Oriya to the local masses in order to spread the word about the services that the Centre offers. A splendid turnout was observed and the interaction with the masses was made fruitful by the help of all the centres involved in the venture.
1 July 2022	Workshop on Mediators Opening Statement by CMN, NLUO in collaboration with Accords International The Centre for Mediation and Negotiation conducted its first edition of a two-hour online workshop in collaboration with Accords International on Mediator’s Opening Statement. It witnessed many participants across many reputed universities. The centre is planning to undertake more events in the future in collaboration with the Legal Aid Society of NLUO amongst other institutions. This would help in sensitising the masses about the concept of Mediation and Negotiation as primary methods of dispute resolution.

OUR TEAM

Members

ADVISORY BOARD, NLUO CENTRE FOR MEDIATION NEGOTIATION

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Intellectual Property Analysis & Advocacy Centre(IPAAC)

The Intellectual Property Analysis and Advocacy Centre (IPAAC) is a research center at the National Law University of Odisha (NLUO) that focuses on academic research and discourse related to intellectual property rights (IPR) both in the international arena and within the Indian context. Among its objectives is to foster a thorough understanding of IPR and create a platform for the engagement of academics, research scholars, and students. This engagement aims to enhance understanding of the intricacies of intellectual property rights and promote discourse and knowledge dissemination within the community.

The Centre facilitates dynamic forums by organizing webinars and events aligned with developments in IPR. These events enable participants to engage with and comprehend the various advancements in these interrelated fields. In the past year, the Centre has organized a three-day research workshop and numerous online events and panels to promote its goals. With these events, the Centre aims to develop and build new pathways of dialogue.

VISION AND MISSION

MISSION

The mission of the Intellectual Property Analysis and Advocacy Centre (IPAAC) is to foster a deep understanding and awareness of intellectual property (IP) laws and their impact on innovation, creativity, and economic growth. The Centre aims to be a leading academic and research institution, providing a platform for interdisciplinary study, policy development, and advocacy in the field of IP law. It seeks to contribute to the evolution of IP law by engaging in high-quality research, organizing seminars and workshops, and collaborating with industry, academia, and the government to address contemporary challenges in the IP landscape. The Centre is committed to promoting the protection and advancement of intellectual property rights to support India’s growth as a knowledge-based economy.

Objectives

The Centre has been established with the goal of promoting and encouraging research, new ideas, views, approaches, discussions to foster a comprehensive understanding of IPR laws and developing regulations. In this context, the objective of the Centre is to

To facilitate a comprehensive understanding of intellectual property rights among academics, research scholars, and students.
To create platforms for engagement and participation in discourse and dissemination of knowledge within the community.
To organize webinars and events attuned to the developments in IPR to enable participants to engage with and understand various developments in these interrelated fields.
To conduct research workshops and online events and panels to promote its goals.
To encourage student members to participate in the centre’s activities, prepare research drafts, and conduct activities in specific subject areas.

Activities

Year 2023-2024

Date: 09/03/2024
Event: Webinar on “Trademark Licensing and Registration: Emerging Trends”
About the Event: The event featured prominent legal experts and industry professional Mr. Vijay Kumar Makyam, who is a postgraduate in Law with specialization in Intellectual Property Rights and Master of Science in Information Technology. He delved into the evolving landscape of trademark law. The important discussions in the webinar centred around the latest developments in trademark registration processes, the impact of digital transformation on brand protection, and the increasing importance of global trademark licensing in a connected world. The expert also highlighted the challenges and opportunities arising from new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, in trademark enforcement and management. He also shared his practical advice on navigating complex legal frameworks and maintaining robust trademark portfolios in a rapidly changing market. The webinar involved active participation from the students through constant questioning and healthy discussion on the emerging trends in the IP law.

Date: 30/09/2023
Event: One Day workshop on “Understanding the Balance of Traditional IP Rights and Open Access Initiatives”
About the Event: The centre in virtual collaboration with National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM), a professional body under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) conducted One Day workshop. The workshop was headed by, Mr Saurabh Trivedi who is a founder of IP Samdhan. The event provided a platform for dynamic discussions on the interplay between conventional intellectual property rights and the growing movement towards open access. Participants included a diverse group of IP professionals, academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders who shared insights and experiences on how to effectively balance these two paradigms. The workshop featured engaging presentations on the benefits and challenges of open access, the legal frameworks governing traditional IP rights, and the potential for innovation and collaboration when these two approaches are harmonized. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of IP management in an era where open access is increasingly prioritized alongside traditional IP protections.

Year 2022-23

Date: 15/02/2023
Event: Second Edition of The NLUO Turncoat Debate Competition
About the Event: The Second Edition of The NLUO Turncoat Debate Competition, was an engaging intra-university event held on campus. The competition showcased students’ debating skills on various intellectual property law topics through the challenging turncoat format, requiring them to argue both for and against the same motion. Esteemed judges evaluated participants on their argumentation, delivery, and adaptability. Sidhanth M K Majoo of second year and Partik Biswal of first year emerged as the winners, impressing with their eloquence and versatility. The event highlighted NLUO students’ debating talents and fostered intellectual rigor, making it a memorable academic highlight.

Date: 17/09/2022
Event: Talk show on “Innovation and Access in Critical Times” by Mr. Atul Karim
About the Event:Atul Karim’s recent talk, “Innovation and Access in Critical Times,” presented by the Center for Intellectual Property Advocacy and Analysis, was both insightful and engaging. Karim expertly highlighted the vital role of Intellectual Property (IP) in fostering innovation and protecting both creators and consumers. His presentation addressed the pressing challenges of digital piracy, counterfeiting, and fraud, demonstrating how IP laws are evolving to meet these threats.

A key takeaway from Karim’s talk was the urgent need to enhance public understanding of IP. He argued that bridging the gap between complex IP systems and general knowledge is crucial for maximizing the benefits of IP protections. Karim also emphasized the importance of adapting IP frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, proposing reforms to support emerging industries. The Q&A session further enriched the discussion, with Karim providing thoughtful and practical answers to a variety of questions. Overall, the talk was a compelling exploration of how IP can drive innovation and ensure fair access, offering valuable insights for both individuals and businesses navigating the IP landscape.

Date: 01/09/2022
Event: One day workshop on “Intellectual property enforcement & Copyright societies in India”
About the Event: The workshop was open to the public and more than 500 participants had registered for the event. The workshop had two esteemed industry experts as speakers: Mr. Dhruv Maingi, Director, Netrika; and Ms. Sonal Chhablani, Senior Associate, Sai Krishna & Associates. Mr. Dhruv Maingi held a detailed discussion on “Intellectual Property Enforcements.” He talked about various threats to IP, like counterfeiting, copyright infringement, etc., and his own experience in tackling them. He also talked about the role of police and law enforcement authorities in IP enforcement and the pre-requisites for initiating an enforcement action. His session provided an overview of the needs and ways of IP enforcement to the participants.

Ms. Sonal Chhablani talked about “Copyright Societies in India.” She discussed the Copyright Act and the amendments introduced to it in 2012. Topics which are covered in this session include, but are not limited to, “Distribution Scheme”, “Performers Society”, “Statutory License”, “Special Rights of the Authors,” etc. Furthermore, Ms. Sonal also elaborated upon the remedies that are available in the case of copyright infringement, like injunction, damages, etc. Overall, it was a fruitful session that provided a basic understanding of IP enforcement and copyright societies to the participants, and it will act as an impetus for those who want to explore these fields further.