The European Policy for Intellectual Property (EPIP) Association and the University of Antwerp proudly announce the 20th Annual Conference of the European Policy for Intellectual Property (EPIP) Association hosted by the University of Antwerp, Belgium from 10th to 12th September 2025. This conference will gather academics, practitioners, representatives from IP Offices, policymakers, and stakeholders for three days of intensive dialogue and knowledge exchange on the future of intellectual property.
Distinguished Keynote Speakers:
- Professor Caroline Ncube, DST/NRF SARChI Research Chair in Intellectual Property, Innovation and Development, University of Cape Town, “From ambition to action: how the role and rightful place of Intellectual Property in the quest for sustainable development”
- Professor Bhaven N. Sampat, School for the Future of Innovation in Society and School of Public Affairs, Arizona State University; Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), “War, Crisis, and Innovation Policy”
Conference Theme: In an era defined by poly-crises and unprecedented global societal challenges, the IP landscape is also undergoing a transformation. The convergence of climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions has created a complex web of interconnected challenges that demand innovative solutions and collaborative approaches. While achieving consensus on IP’s precise role, objectives, and rationale remains challenging due to diverse stakeholder interests, the urgency created by societal transitions demands immediate action. The conference theme, “Turning IP Ambitions into Action”, emphasises the critical need to move beyond theoretical frameworks to practical implementation through meaningful connections, effective collaborations, and strong community building.
The broad thematic scope of EPIP2025 creates an inclusive platform for addressing societally relevant and thought-provoking topics while accommodating diverse research interests. EPIP2025 particularly emphasises interdisciplinary submissions at the intersection of law and economics, encouraging researchers to explore the cross-sectional aspects of IP that bridge these disciplines.
Key Research Themes (non-exhaustive):
- The impact of new technologies on IP
- The role of IP law in addressing crises
- IP & Governance
- IP & sustainable innovation
- IP, (in)equality, diversity, and inclusivity
- Innovation, access, & IP
- IP & global inequality
- IP & creative industries
Apart from the Themed Sessions, EPIP2025 will also host ‘Special Sessions’ open to submissions. The Special Sessions shall be based on the following themes:
Special Sessions:
- WIPO Sponsored Session: “Gender and Diversity in IP and Innovation”
- “IP and Access to Health Technologies”
- “Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in IP”
Academic Excellence Recognition:
- The conference features the prestigious EPIP Young Scholars Awards (€500 prize) in economics/management and law categories.
- New for 2025: An innovative Interdisciplinary Young Scholars Award, recognizing cross-disciplinary research excellence.
PhD Workshop: A special PhD workshop on 10th September, 2025 will provide emerging scholars with expert feedback, mentorship opportunities, and career guidance in a supportive academic environment.
Critical Dates:
- Submission Deadline for the Extended Abstracts (including submissions for Special Sessions): 30th April, 2025
- Acceptance Notifications: Early June 2025
- Early Bird Registration Closes: 30th June, 2025
Submission Categories (for detailed instructions, see website):
- Complete Research Papers
- Extended Abstracts (1,500-3,000 words)
- Themed Session Proposals and Special Sessions
Special Initiatives:
- EPIP association supports PhD researchers by offering them reduced conference registration fees.
- EPIP2025 offers a conference fee waiver to maximum five researchers who are carrying out their research at a university based in a developing country.
For comprehensive submission guidelines, registration information, and conference updates, please visit the EPIP2025 FourWaves platform here: https://event.fourwaves.com/epip2025/pages/008770a2-73fd-466f-8e3c-45fd7962d6db.
For any questions, please contact the organizers at epip2025@uantwerpen.be“
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