The 2025 APCA Annual Conference 

Call for Abstracts

The Asian Pacific Copyright Association (APCA) is pleased to partner with the School of Law at Shandong University, to host its 2025 Annual Conference in Qingdao, China.

1.   Conference Theme

“Tradition, Innovation, and the Future: Cultural and Digital Frontiers in the Asian Pacific Region”

From traditional cultural expressions to AI-generated content, copyright law plays a crucial role in the creation and dissemination of cultural expressions and creative works. This Conference will explore how copyright frameworks balance incentives for creativity with broader societal interests, particularly in the diverse legal and cultural landscape of the Asian Pacific region. The region’s varied legal traditions, economic structures, and technological advancements offer a unique perspective on the evolving nature of copyright.

Following the 2024 APCA Annual Conference on “The Crossvergence of Asian Copyright Standards?”, the 2025 Conference welcomes abstracts addressing cutting-edge copyright issues, particularly those relevant to the Asian Pacific region. Topics of discussion may include but are not limited to:

• Harmonisation of copyright laws in the Asian Pacific region

• Copyright enforcement across diverse jurisdictions

• Copyright and emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and digital content distribution

• Copyright licensing, infringement, and proportionality in enforcement measures

• Limitations and exceptions to copyright, including fair use and fair dealing

• Interplay between copyright and human rights, including freedom of speech, access to knowledge, and access to materials

• Copyright and accessibility: rights of disabled individuals and equitable access to content

• The impact of the WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge, in the context of traditional cultural expressions

• International and regional copyright protections and treaty compliance

• Theoretical perspectives on copyright law, policy, and the balance between protection and public interest

2.     Conference Details

2.1.          Format and Presentation

The Conference encourages in-person participation, though virtual attendance will be accommodated where necessary. It will include keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and panel discussions. Each plenary session will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with speakers allocated 15 minutes each, followed by Q&A.

2.2.         Dates

October 18-19, 2025

2.3.        Venue and Accommodation

The Conference will be hosted at Shandong University’s Qingdao campus, which is well-equipped for international conferences. Qingdao, often referred to as the “Switzerland of the East,” is a world-famous holiday destination known for its coastal scenery and vibrant cultural heritage.

3.    Submission Guidelines

·      Abstract Submission: Please submit an abstract of up to 300 words, including the author’s name, title, and affiliation, with the email subject: APCA2025 – [Name] submission

·      Deadline: 1 August 2025 (rolling acceptance)

·      Submission Email: apca2025@outlook.com

We look forward to your participation and to welcoming you to Qingdao in the forthcoming autumn!

Professor Tianxiang HE,

President, APCA,

Associate Professor, School of Law,

City University of Hong Kong

Prof Wei SHI,

Vice President & Conference Convenor, APCA,

Professor, School of Law, Shandong University

Keynotes