Something exciting is in the works for the Indian IP enthusiast community. After a sneak peek a few weeks ago, we have now started accepting applications for the inaugural edition of the SpicyIP Summer School! Designed to empower students to cultivate critical pluralism in approaching Intellectual Property (IP) law and policy, the Summer School aims to break move away from the traditional approach that treats IP in isolation, and rather, positions it as a dynamic governance mechanism that shapes and is shaped by political economy, markets, public welfare, and knowledge ecosystems.
To do this, the Summer School aims to adopt a pedagogical methodology that Prof Basheer had put forward earlier, as a critique of linear and fragmented legal education. The unique methodology “T-FLIP” as he coined it, is an immersive learning approach that is grounded in real-world complexity. What does T-Flip stand for?
- Theme-Based Inquiry
- Flipped Dynamics
- Interdisciplinary Synthesis
- Polycentric Exploration
This methodology will include approaching ‘themes’ as centres of inquiry, rather than silo-ed ‘subjects’ like patents, copyrights, etc. The ‘flipped’ learning method focuses on using classroom time for discussions, problem solving and engaging with the faculty members expertise on the subject. Inquiries will then be encouraged from different approaches on the same subject matter (“interdisciplinary), as well as seeing how different subject matters may be interlinked and connected to one another (“polycentric exploration”). Focusing on two thematic areas ‘the Pharma Stack’; and ‘Creativity, Culture, and Contracts’, participants will also engage in activities such as role-playing and simulations, case studies, debates, and dialogues – synthesizing law, ethics, and political economy.
To touch upon the two themes briefly- the first theme will aim to focus inquiry at various points along a pharmaceutical drug’s life cycle — from development and research, right up to access on the market (and the various gaps) — including initial research, regulatory approval, manufacturing, distribution, pre-litigation risk management as well as eventual litigation. On the way, various relevant lP instruments such as patents, trade secrets, and trademarks will be critically examined in context.
The second theme will focus on varied creative industries such as sports, music, film, and OTT platforms to examine legal and commercial nuances underlying content management, rights transfers, auctions, and other industry-specific mechanisms. They will examine the role of IP rights in these activities, focusing on how creative content is produced, distributed, and monetized. In unpacking these issues, the course will see how they both enable and complicate creation, monetization and access.
To enable explorations into these themes, the Summer School has a fantastic set of core faculty that has generously agreed to spend their time with us, comprising of Ms. Zara Kaushik, Mr. Murali Neelkantan, Mr. Sandeep Rathod, Ms. Manojna Yeluri.
In addition to this, the cohort will see fireside chats and expert sessions conducted by various invited guest experts! Throughout the days of the programme, participants will also have regular breakout sessions between the regular sessions, which will be led by the organisers of the Summer School – Dr Zakir Thomas, Swaraj Paul Barooah, and Deepali Nayak. These breakout sessions will include group exercises, QnA sessions, time for writing and reflection, quizzes, ‘meet the musician’, panel discussions on career and higher studies, and more.
Eligibility: Students of the 3rd-5th year of the 5-year law school programmes, and 1st-3rd year of the 3-year LL. B. programme. Students who have graduated from their first law degree in or after 2023 are also eligible to apply. More details on the course can be found in the brochure here.
To apply: Check the brochure for more details. Candidates will need to do a short and hopefully fun exercise, the details of which can be found in the application form linked at the end of the brochure, or click here for a direct link (but please make sure to go through the brochure first!)
When and where: The 8 day residential programme will run from June 21st – 29th and will be in Whitefield, Bengaluru.
Only 25 candidates will be selected for this programme so as to keep the class size as one that can be engaged with closely. So, do apply soon! The deadline for applications is May 15!
For further information, reach out to: academy[at]spicyip[dot]com