Dr Pratyush Nath Upreti, Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast, has been awarded the prestigious Surya P. Subedi Prize 2024 by the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The prize recognises Dr Upreti’s article, “The Battle for Geographical Indication Protection of Basmati Rice: A View from Nepal,” published in the IIC – International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law.

Founded in 1823 by renowned Sanskrit scholar Henry Thomas Colebrooke and granted its Royal Charter in 1824 by King George IV, the Royal Asiatic Society promotes the study of science, literature, and the arts in relation to Asia.

The Surya P. Subedi Prize is awarded annually to the publication of a book or article on Nepal in English in any one calendar year. It honours Professor Surya P Subedi OBE KC DCL LLD, an international jurist of Nepali origin and Professor of International Law at the University of Leeds. Professor Subedi has served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia for six years (2009-2015), legal adviser to the UK Foreign Secretary, and has received numerous accolades, including the Queen’s Counsel (Hon), an OBE from Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and awarded Oxford’s highest accolade – the degree of Doctor of Civil Law – in 2019 and the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the University of Hull in 2020.

Reflecting on the award, Dr Upreti said:

“I am truly honoured to receive the Royal Asiatic Society’s Surya P. Subedi Prize 2024. I extend my sincere thanks to the Society and the judging panel for recognising my research.”

“My article resulting from UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)Leading Impact Fund addresses the controversy surrounding the geographical indication (GI) protection of 'Basmati rice'—a debate historically dominated by India and Pakistan, both of which have long asserted cultural and geographical claims to Basmati’s origin. In contrast, Nepal’s perspective has largely been absent from this discourse. The work brings Nepal’s overlooked voice into the global conversation on GI protection of Basmati rice.

Beyond its academic contribution, the article carries important policy implications, particularly as Nepal is in the process of drafting a new Industrial Property Law.  I hope that the arguments offered in the paper can inform policy interventions on GIs in Nepal, benefiting local communities—especially rural communities and traditional producers—who play a vital role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.”

For the official announcement, please visit the Royal Asiatic Society’s website.

 

Dr Pratyush Nath Upreti

School of Law

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