Now for the competition. It's a chance for readers to complete a limerick on the theme of intellectual property in the retail sector. It must with the line
"Merpel once entered a store ..."Can you write the next four lines in a manner that alludes both to the retail sector and intellectual property rights? If so, this competition if just right for you! The best entry gets free admission to the conference -- plus a tasty and equally free lunch. Entries, by email here with the subject line "Merpel goes shopping", must be received by close of play on Thursday 6 February. Competitors may submit more than one entry. The best entries will be published on this weblog. Entries which are not in the traditional five-line limerick format will be disqualified -- though Merpel reserves the right to post them here too.
To inspect the prize, click here for sight of the conference brochure, which has all the details.







