News

From 16 to 19 June 2026, almost 1.000 intellectual property professionals gathered in Dublin for the annual ECTA conference, under the theme “Green light for growth”. 

The conference opened with committee meetings, including the Internet Committee of which Diégo is a member, followed by an engaging Mock Mediation Play organised by the ECTA Mediation Committee. 

The academic programme focused on the future of IP in an increasingly digital, AI-driven and sustainability-focused economy. Speakers discussed how AI is reshaping the creation, protection and enforcement of IP rights, the need for more agile protection mechanisms, and the importance of combining legal expertise with technological and business insight.

Other key themes included strengthening the competitiveness of European businesses through effective IP strategies, IP valuation for SMEs and startups, portfolio management in the context of green technologies, ESG considerations, greenwashing and environmental claims, the impact of AI and "dupe" influencers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, developments in copyright, and a review of the latest case law from the CJEU and the General Court.

Overall, the conference provided an excellent overview of the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future of intellectual property, while also offering valuable opportunities to (re)connect with colleagues.