The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, successfully organized a National Conference on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) on 20th April, 2026, drawing participation from legal experts, academicians, and researchers across the country. 

The conference provided a platform for critical discussions on intellectual property rights, innovation, and regulatory challenges in the digital era.

The event commenced with an inaugural session marked by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the national anthem. Delivering the welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil highlighted the growing significance of SEPs in shaping global technological standards. 

Chief Guest Dr. G.R. Raghavender, Senior Consultant (IPR), Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), emphasized India’s policy efforts in strengthening intellectual property frameworks while maintaining a balance between innovation and public access. 

Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) T. Ramakrishna, Professor of Law at National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, Karnataka and Special Guest Shri Surendra Sharma, Assistant Director (Grade-I) at the MSME-Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Ranchi, Jharkhand, also underscored the importance of aligning India’s legal regime with international best practices.

The conference proceeded with three parallel technical sessions that explored diverse aspects of SEPs. Technical Session I was chaired by Dr. 

Apoorva Dixit, Associate Professor G.D Goenka University, Gurgaon along with Co-chair: Ms. Rimjhim Vaishnavi, Assistant Professor, NUSRL Ranchi, which focused on India’s legal and regulatory landscape, addressing issues such as FRAND licensing, global harmonization, and judicial approaches to patent enforcement. 

Session II was chaired by Dr. Neelesh Shukla, Assistant Professor co-chair of the IP Chair, NIRMA University with Co-Chair: Dr. Avinash Kumar, Assistant Professor, NUSRL Ranchi, expanded the discussion to contemporary challenges, including digital copyright, sustainability, and the role of SEPs in emerging sectors like electric vehicles. 

Session III was chaired Dr. Ankit Srivastava, Assistant Professor, RGNUL Punjab with Co-Chair – Mr. Abhinav Gupta, Assistant Professor NUSRL Ranchi, examined future-oriented themes such as artificial intelligence, 5G technologies, and green innovation, reflecting the expanding scope of SEPs in modern economies. 

Across sessions, participants emphasised the need for clearer legal frameworks and effective enforcement mechanisms to balance patent rights with competition concerns. Scholars noted that FRAND licensing plays a crucial role in promoting innovation while ensuring fair access to standardised technologies. 

The conference concluded with the announcement of the best paper award and a seminar report presentation. Overall, the event highlighted the growing relevance of SEPs in India’s innovation ecosystem and the importance of continued academic and policy engagement in this field.