Certificate Course on Trademark Law and International Brand Protection by DPIIT IPR Chair and CRIP, MNLU Mumbai [Online, 7-11 September 2026; Fee Rs 500-1,500]

The Certificate Course on Trademark Law and International Brand Protection is a specialised programme designed to give participants a comprehensive understanding of the legal and commercial dimensions of trademarks in a globalised, technology-driven marketplace. The organisers frame the course around the idea that trademarks have moved beyond being mere source identifiers to become valuable business assets central to brand creation, market positioning, consumer trust and competitive advantage.

The programme aims to equip participants with both conceptual and practical insight into contemporary trademark law, registration strategy, international protection mechanisms and enforcement measures. Key aspects covered include registrability and distinctiveness of marks, non-conventional trademarks, well-known trademarks, international registration through the Madrid System, personality and publicity rights, and anti-counterfeiting frameworks. Participants also gain exposure to emerging challenges in brand protection and cross-border trademark enforcement in the digital economy.

Sessions are delivered by a mix of academicians and practising industry experts, with the stated aim of bridging theory and practice by examining both legal principles and real-world applications of trademark law.

Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai is a National Law University located in Mumbai. It offers graduate, post-graduate and research degrees in law and allied disciplines. Its stated objects are to advance and disseminate learning and knowledge of law and legal processes and their role in national development, to serve society by developing skills in advocacy, legal services, legislation and law reform, and to organise lectures, seminars, symposia and conferences.

MNLU Mumbai has established a Centre for Research in Intellectual Property (CRIP) among sixteen centres for legal research. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has also established an IPR Chair at the University. The course is presented jointly by the DPIIT-IPR Chair and CRIP.

The course runs across five consecutive evenings, each session lasting one hour thirty minutes:

• Day 1, 7 September 2026 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) - Foundations of Trademark Law: Registrability and Distinctiveness, by Dr. Muhammed Amir Khan, Assistant Professor, MNLU Mumbai.
• Day 2, 8 September 2026 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) - Emerging Dimensions of Trademark Law: Non-Conventional Trademarks and Well-known Trademarks, by Dr. Teesta Hans, Legal Professional.
• Day 3, 9 September 2026 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) - International Protection of Trademarks: The Madrid System and Global Brand Management, by Adv. Smera Elenjickal, Managing Associate, Krishna and Saurastri Associates LLP.
• Day 4, 10 September 2026 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) - Personality Rights, Publicity Rights and their Interface with Trademark Law, by Adv. Ashish Kanta Singh, Partner, K and S Partners.
• Day 5, 11 September 2026 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM) - Trademark Law and Anti-counterfeiting Frameworks: Investigation, Customs Recordation and Cross-Border Protection, by Dr. Chitra Arvind, Founding Partner, Accures IP Care.

The brochure sets out three broad groups of intended participants:

• IP professionals, Ph.D. scholars, lawyers, trademark agents and academicians.
• Those working in research and development and other scientific and industrial domains, along with enforcement personnel.
• Students from law, science, media, management, marketing and other disciplines.

The registration form offers designation options for MNLU Mumbai students, students of other universities, professionals, academicians, researchers, Ph.D. scholars and practitioners, so the course is open to working professionals as well as students. No further eligibility restriction is stated by the organisers.

• Mode: Fully online, conducted via Zoom meetings.
• Duration: Five days, 7 September 2026 to 11 September 2026.
• Timings: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM IST, each session running one hour thirty minutes.

The Zoom joining link is shared by the organisers before the course begins. Participants are asked to join fifteen minutes in advance of each session.

• MNLU Mumbai students: Rs 500 (a valid student ID is required)
• Students other than MNLU Mumbai: Rs 1,000 (a valid student ID is required)
• Others: Rs 1,500

The fee once paid is not refundable under any circumstances, and part payment of the fee is not accepted. Candidates claiming either student rate must upload a valid student ID card with the registration form.

Registration is a two-step process, and the organisers are explicit that the order matters: make the payment first, then fill the Google registration form.

• Pay the applicable fee through the official Cashfree payment link, which lists all three fee tiers.
• Complete the Google registration form and upload proof of payment.

The form asks for the participant’s full name, contact number, email ID, designation, institutional affiliation, type of organisation (MSME, startup, law firm, university, not applicable or other) and fee category. It requires uploads of a payment screenshot and a government ID proof (passport, Aadhaar, PAN, voter card or driving licence), the date the payment was made and the transaction ID or UTR number. Those availing a student rate must additionally upload a student ID card. Each upload is capped at 10 MB.

The last date to fill the registration form is 6 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.

An MCQ assessment test is conducted on the last day of the course, administered through a Google Form.

• Candidates must score a minimum of 50 per cent to pass the assessment.
• Only candidates who pass receive an e-certificate on completion of the course.
• Filling the feedback form and taking the MCQ test circulated on the final day are both mandatory to receive the e-certificate.

• Patron: Hon. Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey, Vice Chancellor, MNLU Mumbai
• Course Directors: Prof. Uma Bhattad, IPR Chair Professor, DPIIT-IPR Chair, MNLU Mumbai; and Prof. (Dr.) Ragini P. Khubalkar, Professor of Law and Coordinator, CRIP, MNLU Mumbai
• Course Co-Director: Dr. Sajid Sheikh, Assistant Professor (Law) and Joint Coordinator, CRIP, MNLU Mumbai
• Course Co-ordinators: Nupur Adawadkar, Research Assistant, DPIIT IPR Chair, MNLU Mumbai; and Aditi Bhand, Secretarial Assistant, DPIIT IPR Chair, MNLU Mumbai