Call for Papers: National Conference on Trademark Protection by DBRANLU, Sonepat: Submit by October 21!

DBRANLU invites original abstracts for its hybrid national conference on trademark protection in India on October 31, 2026.

About Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, was established by the State Government of Haryana in 2019 under State Legislature Act No. 15. The University offers B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M. and Ph.D. programmes. Its academic and community facilities include specialised research centres, dedicated cells and a Legal Aid Clinic.

About the IPR Facilitation and Research Centre

The IPR Facilitation and Research Centre is an academic and research-oriented platform at the University. It promotes scholarship and awareness in intellectual property law through conferences, seminars, workshops, publications and academic collaborations.

About the Conference

The Centre, in collaboration with K&S Partners, is organising the National Conference on “Emerging Trends in Trademark Protection in India: Legal Enforcement and Challenges” on October 31, 2026. The event will be held in hybrid mode, with the in-person venue at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, Haryana.

K&S Partners, founded in 1994, is an intellectual property law firm with more than 150 professionals across seven offices in India. Its practice areas include patents, trademarks, designs, copyright, geographical indications, trade secrets, digital law and IP litigation.

The conference will bring together students, researchers, academicians, practitioners and industry professionals to examine contemporary trademark law. Discussions will address how digital commerce, social media, e-commerce and emerging technology affect brand identity, consumer interests and enforcement. The programme includes research-paper presentations, expert deliberations and academic sessions.

Its objectives include examining statutory and judicial developments, the effectiveness of civil, criminal and administrative remedies, and the impact of digital platforms and emerging technologies on infringement. The conference will also consider how trademark enforcement can balance protection with competition, consumer interests and freedom of expression.

Theme and Sub-Themes

The theme is “Emerging Trends in Trademark Protection in India: Legal Enforcement and Challenges.” Indicative topics include:

• Trademark infringement in digital marketplaces, domain names and cybersquatting.
• Well-known marks, cross-border reputation and non-traditional trademarks.
• Artificial intelligence, deepfakes, personality rights and trademark misuse.
• Passing off, injunctive relief and civil, criminal and administrative enforcement.
• Olfactory, collective, slogan, certification and sound marks.
• Globalisation and the future of Indian trademark law.

The sub-themes are indicative and not exhaustive. Submissions on related and interdisciplinary subjects are also welcome.

Eligibility Criteria

The conference invites submissions from students, academicians, researchers, legal practitioners and industry professionals interested in trademark law and intellectual property. Papers may have up to two authors. Both co-authors must register individually under the applicable co-author category. Participants are required to present their work during the conference proceedings on October 31, 2026.

Abstract and Research Paper Guidelines

• Abstracts must be original and unpublished and submitted in DOCX format.
• The Editorial Committee will assess submissions for relevance, originality, clarity and research quality. Selected authors will receive an acceptance email.
• Full papers must be 6,000–7,500 words, excluding footnotes, and follow the Bluebook, 22nd Edition.
• Formatting requirements include Times New Roman, 12-point main text, 14-point headings, 10-point footnotes and 1.5 line spacing.
• The permissible plagiarism threshold is up to 10%. AI-generated content is limited to 5%, subject to verification.

Registration Fees

• DBRANLU students: ₹200 for an individual author; ₹300 per author under the co-author/double category.
• Students from other institutions: ₹600 for an individual author; ₹800 per author under the co-author/double category.
• Academicians and industry participants: ₹1,000 for an individual author; ₹1,200 per author under the co-author/double category.
• IPRFRC team members and volunteers: ₹150 for an individual author; ₹200 under the co-author/double category.

Registration and fee payment are required only after an abstract is accepted. The fee generally covers access to conference sessions, a conference kit, lunch and refreshments for offline participants. A soft copy of the proceedings is provided to presenters whose papers are selected for publication.

Awards and Recognition

• Best Presenter, UG/PG: first place receives an internship at K&S Partners, to be undertaken in March or April; second place receives ₹2,100; third place receives ₹1,100.
• Best Presenter for academicians, Ph.D. scholars and industry participants: ₹5,100.
• Best Paper across all categories: ₹3,100.

Award winners will receive an e-certificate of merit, and participants will receive an e-certificate of participation. Awards are tentative and may be changed by the Organising Committee.

Important Dates

• Abstract submission deadline: October 21, 2026.
• Abstract acceptance and registration commencement: October 24, 2026.
• Registration deadline: October 26, 2026.
• Conference: October 31, 2026.
• Final date for full-paper submission: January 26, 2027.
• Communication of full-paper acceptance: February 17, 2027.

Contact

For queries, email iprfrc@dbranlu.ac.in. The conference coordinators can also be reached at +91 91125 14849, +91 84100 32880, +91 81783 35445 and +91 92531 94996.

Application Procedure

Submit an original, unpublished abstract in DOCX format through the form below by October 21, 2026. Selected authors will be notified by email; registration opens after acceptance and must be completed by October 26. Selected papers are due by January 26, 2027.

Abstract submissions close on October 21, 2026. The conference will be held on October 31, 2026.