MIPLG INTERNATIONAL DEBATE COMPETITION 2020

THEME:

INFLUENCING THE FUTURE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION IN AFRICA

To encourage creativity and innovation for economic growth and development in Africa, My Intellectual Property (IP) Law Guide has launched an international debate competition to engage students from a variety of African tertiary institutions in IP related discussions on various areas of IP protection. Debate topics will stir- up discussions on the roles of creativity and innovation, education, recognition and enforcement of intellectual property rights in developing countries. Emphasis will be laid on the role(s) students play in the promotion of intellectual Property for development in Africa. 

Participation will provide students with an international platform for healthy competition, research and learning opportunities, networking and contribution to the development of IP protection in Africa.

Countries– Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya.

Who can participate?

This competition is open all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya, to be represented by two registered students of these institutions.  

Structure

Registration

(6^th– 10^th August 2020) 

Stage 1

National Qualifying Stages

(10^th – 16^th August 2020) 

Stage 2

International Groupings and Knock- out Stages

(24^th – 29^th August 2020)

Stage 3

Semi- Finals 

(3^rd– 5^th September 2020)

Stage 4

Finals 

(5^th– 12^th September 2020)

The debate competition will be conducted on audio- visual platforms; Zoom, GoToWebinar or Microsoft Teams. However, national qualifying stages will be conducted through submission of debate arguments on http://www.myiplawguide.com/debate

Submission form is visible only to registered and logged in members on the MIPLG IP Community.

Results will be collated by our judges at the end of every debate session (stage 2- 4) and results published on the website.

The submission format

Word and PDF documents only

Font- Tahoma 

Size- 12

Line Spacing- 1.5

Word Count- 1500 Maximum (footnotes excluded)

NB: Every submission is an indication of interest to represent your tertiary institution which must be represented by two registered students at every stage of the competition. Therefore, students are encouraged to pair up, research and submit a single debate argument at stage 1. Submissions by an individual and/ or documents containing any means of identification (individual or institution) will result in disqualification. Necessary information will be filled in a submission form to be completed on the website upon submission. Representatives of every institution will be determined by the best debate argument submitted by its students. 

What judges will look out for:- Structure – Quality and relevance of argument – Coherence and flow of argument – Clarity of expression- Practicality and contribution to topic

What is up for grabs?

Cash Prizes (Winner- $250, Runner up- $100)

Internships  

Scholarships on WIPO Distance Learning Programs

IP Mentorship opportunities under MIPLG Career Development and Mentorship Scheme 

Awards and Certifications

Publication on National Dailies

Several other exciting IP learning opportunities and prizes