The 2025 AIPPI World Congress was held from September 13 to 16 in Yokohama, Japan, marking a milestone for the global intellectual property (IP) community. This is the third time the Congress has taken place in Japan, with the previous event hosted in 1992. With more than 2,000 attendees from across the globe, the Congress proved to be a pivotal moment for IP professionals to come together, share ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions on the future of intellectual property.
A Warm Welcome and a Stunning Opening
The Congress officially kicked off with an Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception that set the stage for the days ahead. The event started on a cultural note with a captivating Gagaku performance, an ancient form of Japanese court music and dance that resonated with the audience and captured the essence of the host country's heritage.
Lorenza Ferrari Hofer, President of AIPPI, opened the event with a heartfelt speech, highlighting the deep value of the AIPPI Congress. She emphasized that the true allure of the Congress goes beyond its structured sessions, focusing instead on the open exchange of ideas, the enriching discussions, and the meaningful connections formed among professionals. Lorenza encouraged participants to reflect on their personal ties to AIPPI and to explore the deeper significance of their attendance. A special message from Mitsuko Miyagawa, Justice of the Supreme Court of Japan, added an extra layer of significance to the event. Ms Mitsuko Miyagawa emphasized the crucial role of international cooperation in IP protection and highlighted AIPPI’s long-standing commitment to fostering global dialogue and harmonization to address the emerging challenges in the evolving IP landscape.
Study Questions and Resolutions: Shaping the Future of IP
At the heart of the Congress were the four Study Questions – carefully crafted by AIPPI's Study Committees – which sparked in-depth debates and informed resolutions that will influence the future direction of IP law. Following thorough discussions at the plenary sessions, these resolutions were adopted during the Executive Committee II (ExCo II) meeting, representing the collective expertise of delegates from around the world.
The four key areas covered by this year's Study Questions included:
Patents: The question of compulsory licensing remains a pressing issue in today's global landscape, with implications for access to medicines and technology transfer.
Trade Marks: The exhaustion of trade mark rights has long been a controversial topic, especially in the context of cross-border trade.
Copyright and Design: The growing influence of AI in copyright law has raised complex legal and ethical questions, particularly as machine-generated works become more commonplace.
General: A highly pertinent issue for the global IP community, the debate on preliminary injunctions and the compensation for damages suffered by defendants was a key topic of discussion.
These resolutions bring together the collective expertise of the global IP community and will be publicly accessible through the AIPPI Library, offering essential insights for both industry professionals and academics around the world.
Panel Sessions: Deep Dives into IP Law
The Panel Sessions at the Congress were a highlight, providing a platform for experts to tackle some of the most pressing issues in intellectual property law. These sessions featured a wide range of topics, each one shedding light on an important facet of the global IP environment.
For example, the Panel on Non-Traditional Trade Marks delved into how the fashion industry is embracing new types of marks, challenging the traditional understanding of what constitutes a trademark. Another notable session explored the issue of acquired distinctiveness, focusing on how trade marks gain recognition through use rather than registration.
One particularly engaging session tackled the impact of influencers on IP rights, examining how unauthorized use of trade marks by social media personalities is creating new challenges for brands and IP owners.
These discussions were not only informative but also served as an essential forum for cross-border collaboration, allowing experts from different regions to share their unique perspectives on the rapidly evolving IP landscape.
Cultural Immersion: Celebrating Japan's Rich Heritage
While the intellectual discourse was at the forefront, the Congress also embraced Japan's cultural richness. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable evening at the Minato Mirai Hall, where they were introduced to Kabuki, a traditional form of Japanese theatre that blends dance, drama, and music. This cultural immersion provided a welcome break from the rigorous sessions, offering delegates a chance to relax and appreciate the host country's artistic heritage.
Moreover, the Congress offered a variety of Lunch Sessions, one of which explored the cultural phenomena of Manga and Kawaii, revealing how these iconic aspects of Japanese pop culture influence Japanese or even global trends in fashion and entertainment. Another session, titled Borderless Taste, focused on the overview of main Japanese and EU GI Products, offering a tasting experience that featured sake from Japan and cognac from France.
Networking and Social Activities: Connecting Beyond the Sessions
The Congress not only provided ample opportunities for professional development but also fostered meaningful social interactions. Networking was at the core of the event, with numerous social activities designed to connect attendees in a relaxed setting.
The AIPPI Cafés proved to be a popular forum for informal yet enlightening discussions. Topics ranged from jurisdictional imperialism to the challenges of sustainable enforcement of IP. These Cafés allowed participants to exchange ideas and experiences in a more intimate, interactive environment.
In addition, the Women in AIPPI event, hosted at the Yokohama Museum of Art, celebrated the accomplishments of women in law, innovation, and leadership, with thought-provoking conversations on IP.
The Young AIPPI Forum provided a space for emerging professionals to network, with the added fun of an origami challenge, blending creativity with educational discussion.
For those looking to stay active, the Morning Walking & Running Club offered an energizing way to start the day, while also giving delegates the chance to bond with colleagues in a more informal setting.
Closing: A Successful Congress and Looking Ahead
The Congress culminated in a Closing Dinner, themed "Fairytale Under the Moon," which was a fitting conclusion to a week full of intellectual exchange and camaraderie. During the evening, awards were presented, including the Members of Honour and Award of Merit Holders, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the association.
The Congress wrapped up with a celebratory After Party, where attendees reflected on the knowledge exchanged, the connections made, and the successes of the event. Looking ahead, the 2026 AIPPI World Congress will be held in Hamburg, and participants are already eager to continue the journey of advancing IP law on a global scale.
The 2025 AIPPI World Congress was a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural exchange, and intellectual rigor. The insights gained and the connections made will continue to shape the future of intellectual property for years to come.
Photo Highlights:
Photo source：AIPPI
