Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur (MNLU) (also known as National Law University, Nagpur or NLU Nagpur) is a National Law University and a public law school established by the government through the Maharashtra National Law University Act (Maharashtra Act No. VI of 2014). The university is the 19th National Law University established in India and is located in the Orange City of Nagpur, Maharashtra. The Chief Justice of India serves as the Head of the institution.
Among contemporary intellectual property debates, non-conventional trademarks (such as sounds, smells, tastes, shapes, and holograms) present unique challenges. They serve the primary function of trademarks todistinguish the goods or services of one proprietor from those of another. For example, customers often associate the distinct shape of the Coca-Cola bottle with the beverage itself, the peculiar blue colour of Tiffany with the company, the very popular “Tudum” sound of Netflix with its brand identity. Such trademarks help the companies to enhance their brand recognition through unique sensory memory. The aim of this paper is to critically study the legal recognition, registration, and protection of non-conventional trademarks under Indian law, emphasizing both legal and practical difficulties by analyzing various examples of these marks. Extensive case law has been analyzed to elaborate the scope of infringement of these marks and the defenses available against such claims. Further, this paper highlights that a thorough understanding of the important role of non-conventional trademarks is essential for shaping today’s intellectual property landscape, offering valuable insights into both the challenges and opportunities they present for businesses. The absence of objective standards and the requirement for visual representation often complicate establishing distinctiveness, proving infringement, or demonstrating consumer association.
Blockchain enabled financial system enhance the efficiency, security and transparency. The study examines the sustainable social innovation in the Indian IT industry. It leverages the decentralized nature of blockchain so that the organizations streamline the financial operations, enhance accountability and reduce fraud to foster economic growth. The study examines the applications of blockchain including secure digital payments, decentralized finance and smart contracts and the impact on initiatives for corporate sustainability. The challenges are highlighted in the study including adoption hurdles, scalability and regulatory barriers. The findings suggest development of business model with social responsibility to promote long-term sustainability in Indian IT sector.
The present study focuses on the preparation of activated carbon (AC) from rice husk waste, an abundant agricultural by-product, using chemical activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH). The developed rice husk activated carbon (RHAC-KOH) was utilized for the adsorptive removal of Bismarck Brown dye from aqueous solutions. The process involved two major steps—carbonization of rice husk at controlled temperature, followed by chemical activation using KOH to enhance surface porosity and adsorption efficiency. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by its surface texture, pore structure, and color removal efficiency, confirming successful activation. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted by varying parameters such as contact time, dye concentration, and adsorbent dosage. The adsorption data were analyzed using kinetic and isotherm models, and results indicated that the process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. The maximum adsorption efficiency of RHAC-KOH for Bismarck Brown dye was observed at neutral pH (≈7) and a contact time of 150 minutes, demonstrating the potential of rice husk-based activated carbon as a low-cost, eco-friendly, and effective adsorbent for dye- contaminated wastewater treatment.
In the contemporary digital age, legislative and judicial entities are becoming more proactive in safeguarding consumer interests in response to evolving socio-economic trends. Legislation aims to meet the changing demands of contemporary customers, whose choices are shaped by technology, convenience and market accessibility. The evolution of consumer protection legislation in India is influenced by international norms and duties. This article examines the factors that lawmakers and the judiciary take into account when formulating and interpreting consumer protection legislation, especially regarding online shopping platforms. Consumer behaviour, particularly in digital markets, is fluid and needs regulatory flexibility. The research examines around 10 e-commerce websites, including Flipkart, Amazon, Homeshop18 and IndiaMART, by juxtaposing their terms and conditions with current Indian legislation. The aim is to pinpoint regulatory deficiencies and propose improvements to safeguard consumer rights in digital environments. This research underscores the significance of legal education in enhancing consumer protection. Legal education functions as a conduit between scholarly investigation and practical governance, preparing future practitioners to critically address modern consumer law issues. It cultivates awareness, analytical skills and policy acumen among both students and practitioners. This article contextualizes consumer protection within the larger scope of legal evolution in Asia by analysing the interaction of legislative frameworks, internet commerce and educational activities.
This chapter examines various perspectives and challenges related to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the transportation industry, particularly focusing on automated. The chapter also addresses the governance of AI, emphasizing the importance of responsible, ethical, and transparent control mechanisms. The chapter then explores AV 4.0, the latest guidance from the US Department of Transportation, which outlines efforts to support and advance autonomous vehicles while ensuring accountability. The legal status of automated vehicles is analysed under different regimes, including international conventions, national regulations, and state vehicle codes. The chapter recommends measures to increase legal certainty for automated vehicles, such as the development of common definitions and monitoring of relevant conventions.
