ATRIP invites submissions for its 2026 Essay Competition for Young Researchers in Intellectual Property Law, sponsored by FICPI, the International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys.
The competition offers publication opportunities, with the first-ranked author invited to present at the 2027 ATRIP Annual Congress in Toronto, Canada. Essays must be submitted by email by 5 February 2027.
About ATRIP
The International Association for the Advancement of Teaching and Research in Intellectual Property (ATRIP) is a global academic association established in 1980. It supports intellectual property teaching, research and scholarly exchange through international congresses, publications and academic activities.
About the Competition
The competition encourages young researchers to contribute original scholarship on any topic related to intellectual property law.
Participants may examine domestic, international or comparative questions. The assessment considers the quality of the argument, engagement with relevant literature, originality and significance beyond a single jurisdiction.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be 35 years old or younger as of 31 December 2026.
- The competition welcomes young scholars and is not restricted to doctoral students.
- ATRIP’s President may waive the age requirement in special circumstances, particularly maternity or paternity leave.
Also Check: Global Essay Competition on International Trade Law by UNCITRAL: Submit by 31 December 2026!
Submission Guidelines
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Any topic related to intellectual property law |
| Word limit | 5,000–10,000 words, including footnotes |
| Language | English or French |
| File format | Word document |
| Anonymity | The manuscript must not identify the author |
| Publication status | The essay must be unpublished |
Authors submitting in French are responsible for providing an English translation. ATRIP may use automated translation if no translation is supplied.
Originality and Responsible AI Use
All entries must comply with ATRIP’s Essay Competition Ethical Code: Originality and Responsible AI Use.
AI tools may assist with research, data analysis and editing the author’s own writing. Generating substantial portions of the essay through AI is prohibited.
Authors must personally verify their references. Plagiarism, ghostwriting and other breaches may lead to disqualification.
Evaluation Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on:
- Coherence and organisation of the argument.
- Quality and relevance of references.
- Originality of the topic, argument and analysis.
- International or comparative relevance.
Recognition and Publication Opportunities
The three highest-ranked papers will be published in the essay section of ATRIP’s website.
There is also an opportunity for publication in IIC – International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law, subject to review.
The first-ranked author will receive an invitation to present at ATRIP’s 2027 Annual Congress.
Mode and Presentation Location
Essays are submitted by email.
The winning author’s invited presentation will take place at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Canada, during the congress scheduled for 27–30 June 2027.
How to Submit?
Email the essay in Word format to admin@atrip.org by 5 February 2027.
Before submitting, review the official call for submissions and Essay Competition Ethical Code.
Ensure the manuscript is anonymous, unpublished and within the prescribed word limit.
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