CICL 2026

Local, Regional and Global Interests in Innovation, Communications and Intellectual Property Law

Szeged, Hungary — May 21 and 22, 2026

Intellectual property (IP), innovation, and communications law have become central arenas of contemporary geopolitical contestation. The regulatory challenges posed by disruptive technologies – such as artificial intelligence and blockchain – alongside the growing influence of digital platforms and the transition toward a circular economy, are addressed in markedly divergent ways at national, regional, and global levels. Doctrinal, judicial, and policy disagreements among nation states, economic blocs, and international organizations – often driven by competing sovereignty claims and economic interests – impede the formulation of coordinated, coherent, and balanced regulatory responses to these pressing issues. Additional tensions arise from the commercial practices of global corporations and the persistent jurisdictional ambiguities surrounding their operations in relation to IP law. These dynamics substantially affect end users’ freedoms and bottom-up innovation models, while simultaneously raising concerns about a gradual shift toward de facto platform-based governance in place of regulation grounded in public law. We invite papers on the following themes:  • intellectual property law, e.g. emerging issues regarding trademarks, copyright, design and other fields of IP; • innovations law, e.g. generative AI and innovation, blockchain technology, biotechnology, semiconductors; • communications law, e.g. platform governance, data and media law; • digital markets law, e.g. regional and global initiatives, the Brussels Effect, algorithmic enforcement, unfair competition; • circular economy and law, e.g. right to repair, upcycling, customization practices. Keynote: Prof. Séverine Dusollier (Sciences Po, Law School) The Radical AI Disruption of Copyright Law The max. 300 words abstracts shall be submitted to Prof. Péter Mezei at [email protected] by March 22, 2026. Abstracts will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The organising committee will select the speakers by April 5, 2026. This call for papers is reserved for recognized scholars and Ph.D. candidates with academic affiliation. CICL will be organised only as an in-person event. There is no registration fee associated with attending CICL. The conference follows the pay-as-you go format, which means that all presenters and attendees must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. All confirmed presenters will be required to register for the Conference.