Call for Papers: Intellectual Property and Human Rights

A call for papers has been issued for a conference on "Intellectual Property and Human Rights," to be held February 21-22, 2013, at American University's Washington College of Law. Here's the call:

Intellectual Property and Human Rights

Conference and Roundtable Discussion

February 21-22, 2013

American University Washington College of Law

4801 Massachusetts Ave NW

Co-chairs:

Sean Flynn, Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property, American University College of Law

Laurence Helfer, Center for International and Comparative Law, Duke University Law School

Molly Land, Institute for Information Law and Policy, New York Law School

Peter Yu, Intellectual Property Law Center, Drake University Law School

Sponsors:

Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property and Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, American University College of Law

Intellectual Property Law Center, Drake University Law School

Center for International and Comparative Law, Duke University Law School

Institute for Information Law and Policy, New York Law School

Committee on International Intellectual Property, American Branch of the International Law Association

ABSTRACT

This meeting will bring together scholars who are working to map the doctrinal and strategic intersections of intellectual property and human rights, and will include publication opportunities in a forthcoming book.

On Thursday, February 21, there will be a public conference on intellectual property and human rights, which will be webcast live and archived. The event will focus on three distinct sets of issues being explored as part of a forthcoming book project edited by Molly Land and Peter Yu: (1) the right to free expression and enforcement of copyright on the internet; (2) the intersection of intellectual property laws and rights to benefit from culture and scientific progress; and (3) the right to health and access to patented medications. The conference welcomes presentations from participants who not wish to be involved in the project and on topics outside these three main themes. Papers selected for presentation may also be considered for the book project. There will be no requirement to present or submit a paper in order to attend.

On Friday, February 22, registered participants are invited to a half-day roundtable discussion (under Chatham House Rule) on developing a working group of scholars and advocates engaged in work at the intersection of intellectual property and human rights. This forward-looking discussion will identify opportunities and priorities for collaboration on research, teaching and advocacy in the coming year(s). Topics may include discussion of new ideas and late-breaking developments that a HRs-IP network or consortium should explore as part of its agenda. The group will also discuss developments in other forums where intellectual property and human rights issues are being or will be considered.

If you are interested in participating in either or both events, please register by January 22, 2013, here. To be considered for a presentation slot on February 21, please fill out the abstract section with a submission of no more than 500 words. No abstract is required to attend, including to attend the roundtable discussion on February 22.