Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Intellectual property (IP) laws and policies vary among jurisdictions. The international framework of minimum standards is a structure that enables IP pluralism. Variation can be positive in order to allow for appropriate national or regional policy. Too many different rules can also be challenging, particularly for cross-border trade and enforcement. In some circumstances diversity is preferable and in others greater harmonisation may be a better option. Each panel in the congress will explore different aspects of IP variation and particularly interpretative processes, the actors and institutions involved in those processes, and the resulting outcomes at national, regional and international levels. The overarching theme is whether this IP pluralism is functional and how it might be made more so. What are the parameters, challenges and opportunities for IP as functional pluralism?
Kraków is the most recognized and visited Polish city with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, outstanding architecture, vivid cultural and academic life. ATRIP 2016 is hosted by the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, one of Europe's oldest universities (founded in 1364). The Intellectual Property Law Chair at the Jagiellonian University plays a prominent role in IP research in Poland.
It is recommended that you make your flight and hotel reservation as early as possible since the summer months in Kraków are the peak season for tourism and professional conferences.
I very much look forward to welcoming you to the 2016 congress in Krakow.
Susy Frankel
ATRIP President