AIPPI Newsletter - April 2026

April 2026

Committee Chronicles

Inclusive Access to IP in Europe: From Representation to Reach

Jeg Korukottu, AIPPI Diversity and Inclusion Committee

The European discussion about diversity, equity and inclusion in intellectual property (IP) is changing.

Welcoming a long-awaited member to the family: Argentina expected to join the PCT system soon

AIPPI Patent Cooperation Treaty – PCT Committee Vice-Chair

On 5 February 2026, Argentina and the United States signed an agreement on reciprocal trade and investment.

Highlights

Curious to learn more about the Congress?

Visit our Congress website for a sneak peek at the programme, suggested accommodation, and confirmed speakers. The site will be updated regularly with further information.

Please note that registration opens on 15 May 2026.

The Sponsorship Opportunities are Going Fast!

Want to showcase your brand on a global stage? Check out the Sponsorship Brochure for Hamburg soon as items are selling fast... Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your brand's presence!

Secure your sponsorship

Pre-Congress Information

Private receptions or networking events may only be organised outside of the official congress programme hours. No private events should be scheduled during sessions, as this may create conflicts and reduce participation in the official programme. This effectively means that private receptions or networking events may take place only during the following times:

Permitted times:
🔹6 October 2026 and prior
🔹7 October 2026 after 22:00
🔹8 October 2026 after 18:00
🔹9 October 2026 after 22:00

Come Visit Us at INTA – Booth 1010

AIPPI is excited to be part of the INTA Annual Meeting in London, England (2-6 May)! Come visit us at Booth 1010 to connect and learn more about what we have planned for the year.

Whether you're a long-time member or new to AIPPI, we’d love to meet you. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay updated and get involved. See you at INTA!

Spotlight on the Türkiye Activity Report

Every newsletter, we are sharing the best 2025 Activity Reports received from National and Regional Groups. This month, we’re happy to highlight AIPPI Türkiye!

Download here

We are pleased to share that ABAPI has Released a New Episode Across its Social Media channels

The episode is available on the website

Law & Case Notes

China

Balancing Interests in Patent Litigation: The Rise of Conditional Enforcement in China

Richard Yong Wang, Panawell & Partners, LLC. China

In the complex landscape of Chinese intellectual property (IP) litigation, a "binary" system exists where patent infringement cases are heard by courts while patent validity is determined by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

Italy

Italian Historical Trademarks: a matter of national interest...?

Leonardo Maria Seri, Italy

In the light of its companies’ historic, long-standing heritage, Italy is trying to regulate specific legal instruments treating them as national strategic assets, both in relation to manufacturing and employment values and as connected to the Country’s international appeal.

Japan

Reform of the Japanese Patent Linkage System

Masaru Nakajima, UEDA & NAKAJIMA IP Law Firm (UNIP), Japan

Historically, Japan's patent linkage system was governed by an administrative notification issued in 2009, often referred to as the "Two Directors’ Notification".

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Amends Several Key IP Acts

Dimitar Batakliev, CWB, Kazakhstan

On 24 November 2025, Kazakhstan’s Head of State signed Law No. 233-VIII, introducing amendments to the Law On Trade Marks, Service Marks, Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin of Goods.

Nigeria

The Illusion of Patent Protection: Treaty–Statute Misalignment and the PCT Framework in Nigeria

Obatosin Ogunkeye, Allan & Ogunkeye, Nigeria

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) provides a harmonized framework for international patent filings, including a 30-month timeline for national phase entry.

Paraguay

Intellectual Property and Major Sporting Events: APAPI Roundtable on Paraguay’s EDRI Law

Aldo Fabrizio Modica, AIPPI Paraguay Secretary General and APAPI President

On 24 April 2026, the Paraguayan Association of Intellectual Property Agents (APAPI), with the support of the Paraguayan Group of AIPPI, held a high-level roundtable discussion in Asunción to mark World Intellectual Property Day 2026,

Poland

Icon of style under legal protection – Louis Vuitton won the court battle over the Damier Canvas trademark

Dorota Rzążewska, JWP Patent & Trademark Attorneys, Poland

Distinguishing luxury goods is not only a matter of taste, but also of brand attributes which are protected by intellectual property law.

Qatar

Expanded Trademark Coverage with class 33 now available

Firas Qumsieh, NJQ & Associates, Jordan

Doha – Following the recent adoption of the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification (effective February 2026),

Türkiye

Conflicting Court of Cassation Decisions on EP Validations: Is Re-establishment of Rights Truly Excluded in Turkey?

Dogukan Berk Aksoy, Aksoy IP, Türkiye

European patents granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) must be validated in Turkey through the filing of a Turkish translation of the patent specification.

UK

Emotional Perception AI: UK Supreme Court overrules Aerotel in favour of EPO's approach to eligibility but leaves the application of the EPO's “intermediate [inventive] step” to the UKIPO

Peter Dalton, Andrew Moir, Sabesh Asokan and Rachel Montagnon, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, UK

Many readers will recognise the headline result of this decision from recent case reports.

Ukraine

How is the Fight Against Intellectual Property Rights Infringement Carried Out in Ukraine?

Sergiy Barbashyn, Barbashyn Law Firm, AIEI, Ukraine

Intellectual property (hereinafter referred to as “IP”) infringements on the internet and efforts to combat them remain pressing issues in Ukraine.

United Arab Emirates

UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism Introduces Temporary Trade Mark Filing Flexibility

Natalie Slabbert, Technology Innovation Institute, United Arab Emirates

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism (“MOET”) has issued Administrative Decision No. 2 of 2026, introducing temporary procedural relief designed to support business continuity and enhance service delivery within the national trademark system.

United Arab Emirates

The Evolution of the Patent Ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates

Leo Giannotti, verified by Munir Suboh, Strategists United, United Arab Emirates

The industrial property regime of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has evolved into a sophisticated legal and administrative architecture.

NRGs News

China

AIPPI China Held Seminar on AIPPI Study Questions

Xiaojun Guo, AIPPI China Secretariat

From 2 to 3 April 2026, AIPPI China held a seminar focused on the AIPPI Study Questions scheduled for discussion at this year's World Congress in Hamburg.

Costa Rica and Guatemala

The First AIPPI Central America & Caribbean IP Moot: A Milestone for Regional Advocacy

Paola Castro, CASTROIP and Santiago Mayora, Organizing Committee, MAYORAIP

The First Intellectual Property Moot Court organized by the AIPPI Regional Group of Central America and the Caribbean marked a significant step forward in fostering legal excellence, collaboration, and advocacy skills among young practitioners in the region.

Japan

The Japanese group's e-journal "A.I.P.P.I." latest issue (Vol. 51, No. 2) is now available to all AIPPI members

Masatoshi Abe, AIPPI Japan, Japan

The AIPPI Japanese Group is pleased to inform you that the latest issue (Vol. 51, No. 2) of the Japanese Group's e-journal "A.I.P.P.I." is now available to all AIPPI members. You can view the contents page for this issue below.

Switzerland

Swiss national group AIPPI General Assembly, Swiss Day and 100 Years Celebration

Theodore Choi, Schaad Balass Menzl & Partner AG, Switzerland

The Swiss national group of AIPPI convened on 16 April 2026 in Bern for the General Assembly and the annual Swiss Day seminar……

Upcoming Events

AIPPI

D&I Committee Webinar – Mind Health on 13 May 2026

Join us to explore important topics.

AIPPI Paraguay

Impact of the MERCOSUR–EU Agreement on Intellectual Property (Regional Roundtable with the MERCOSUR National Groups of AIPPI) on 30 May 2026

The Paraguayan Group of AIPPI is pleased to announce the organization of a roundtable discussion addressing the intellectual property implications of the MERCOSUR–European Union Agreement.

AIPPI China

2026 AIPPI China-Japan-Korea Trilateral Meeting on 12 - 14 June 2026

Since its launch in 2000, the AIPPI China-Japan-Korea Trilateral Meeting has become a vital platform for IP exchanges, boosting the IP ecosystem, supporting regional innovation and trade, and driving innovation-led growth. By welcoming global IP professionals, it deepens friendship among the three nations and builds sincere bridges with the wider world.

AIPPI France

AIPPI Trilaterlal seminar of Franch, German and Polish groups on 11 - 12 June 2026

AIPPI France is proud to host this year in Paris the AIPPI Trilateral Seminar of AIPPI France, AIPPI Germany and AIPPI Polska.

AIPPI Central America and the Caribbea

AIPPI Reach Out Series in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on 2 - 3 July 2026

We are pleased to invite you to our next Reach Out Series, taking place for the first time in the vibrant city of Santo Domingo. This event will be held in conjunction with the IV Congress of the AIPPI Regional Group for Central America and the Caribbean.