INTA's 'Davos of IP' Convenes in London Amid AI and Geopolitical Shifts

LONDON, England – February 11, 2026 – The world of intellectual property is set to converge on London this May, as the International Trademark Association (INTA) prepares for its 148th Annual Meeting. With registrations already surpassing 6,000 professionals from 134 jurisdictions, the event is re-affirming its status as the premier global forum for brand owners and IP experts, a gathering INTA CEO Etienne Sanz De Acedo has dubbed the "Davos of IP."

From May 2–6, London will host a high-stakes discussion on the future of innovation, brand leadership, and economic growth. The impressive registration figures, announced as the early-bird deadline of February 13 approaches, signal a powerful demand for collaboration and insight at a time when the IP landscape is being reshaped by rapid technological advancements and complex geopolitical currents. This year's meeting promises to be a critical juncture where policy is debated, business deals are forged, and the trajectory of global commerce is influenced.

"London stands at the crossroads of creativity, commerce, and innovation, making it the ideal setting for our Annual Meeting," said Sanz De Acedo in a statement. He emphasized the event's role as "a forum where the brightest minds in intellectual property come together to shape the future of innovation, policy, and brand leadership worldwide."

Navigating a New Technological and Geopolitical Era

The 2026 agenda is sharply focused on the most pressing challenges confronting brands and innovators today. The core educational tracks—Law & Policy, Business of Intangibles, and Technologies Shaping the Future of IP—are designed to address a landscape marked by unprecedented change. A central theme is the rise of artificial intelligence, a topic that has moved from theoretical debate to a daily operational reality for IP professionals.

Discussions are expected to delve deep into the legal quandaries of AI inventorship and authorship, a particularly timely subject following revised guidance from major patent offices. With the European Union's landmark AI Act set to become fully applicable in August 2026, practitioners are scrambling to understand its compliance burdens and navigate the diverging regulatory approaches being adopted globally. The meeting will provide a crucial platform for dissecting these complexities.

Beyond AI, the program will confront the growing influence of geopolitics on intellectual property. In an era of shifting trade alliances and heightened national security concerns, particularly around technology, IP is increasingly at the center of international rivalry. The two-day Patent Series, a highlight of the meeting, will tackle these issues head-on, with sessions dedicated to cross-border litigation, standard essential patents (SEPs), and the impact of geopolitical tensions on portfolio strategy.

A Stage for Global Voices and Diverse Industries

Reflecting the meeting's global scope is a stellar roster of speakers representing government, industry, and entrepreneurship. Keynote addresses will be delivered by influential figures including Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), who has championed a vision of IP as a catalyst for economic development for all nations. His perspective on balancing human creativity with AI's potential will be highly anticipated.

Joining him are leaders who personify the diverse ecosystem INTA serves. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founder and CEO of the Nigerian venture capital firm Future Africa, will bring a crucial perspective on fostering innovation and protecting IP in emerging markets, particularly Africa's booming tech scene. From the world of heritage and luxury, Jenny Urquhart, Chairman of Scotland’s Johnston of Elgin, will offer insights from a brand owner's perspective on maintaining value and trust in a global marketplace. The UK government will also be represented, with UK IP minister Kanisha Narayan MP scheduled to speak, highlighting the host nation's commitment to the global IP framework.

The sessions will be further enriched by the expertise of nearly 50 senior in-house practitioners from a jaw-dropping list of the world's most valuable brands, including Amazon, Microsoft, Chanel, Bvlgari, Levi Strauss & Co., Liverpool FC, Moderna, Philips, and Rolls-Royce. This direct access to corporate leaders from such a wide cross-section of industries ensures that the discussions remain grounded in real-world challenges and strategic business objectives.

Forging Careers and Connections

While the high-level policy discussions are a major draw, the INTA Annual Meeting is equally renowned for its role as the IP industry's most significant business development and networking event. With representatives from over 2,800 organizations, the meeting is an unparalleled opportunity for law firm partners, in-house counsel, and service providers to connect, collaborate, and build relationships that span continents.

Recognizing the evolving needs of its members, INTA has curated specialized educational series to provide targeted, practical value. The In-House Practitioner Series, designed by and for corporate members, focuses on the strategic role of IP teams in navigating AI, regulation, and brand value. Meanwhile, the Professional Development & Career Advancement Series offers guidance on leadership, business development for young practitioners, and exploring career paths beyond the traditional partnership track.

As 2026 Annual Meeting Co-Chairs Lara Kayode and Tanya Fickenscher noted, the goal is to provide an experience that resonates with every attendee. "Our goal is to ensure that every participant leaves with insights, connections, and tools that have a meaningful impact in their day-to-day work," they stated. As the final registration deadline approaches, thousands of professionals are preparing to descend on London, not just to observe the future of intellectual property, but to actively shape it.