Save the date – WIPO is hosting a two-day seminar on standard essential patents (SEPs) and dispute settlement on October 12 and 13 at WIPO headquarters in Geneva and online.
This year’s SEP seminar brings together judges, policymakers, industry representatives, practitioners, academics and other experts for a focused exchange on how SEP disputes are evolving worldwide and the practical solutions that can support a more balanced global SEP ecosystem.
From competition to cooperation
Reflecting this year’s focus on IP and sports, and echoing the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together”, the seminar examines the SEP landscape through the lens of rules, strategy, and cooperation.
From standards development and FRAND licensing to litigation and alternative dispute resolution, SEP disputes often involve both competition and cooperation. As in sport, parties compete to advance their own position, but fair and lasting outcomes depend on a shared playing field, clear and respected rules of the game, and constructive dispute-resolution mechanisms.
The hybrid two-day event opens with discussions around WIPO’s SEP-related activities. The second day features panel discussions and presentations on litigation, ADR and the global dynamics of SEP dispute resolution.
Event details
What: WIPO Seminar on Standard Essential Patents: Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together?
When: October 12 and 13, 2026
Where: WIPO headquarters, Geneva and online
Format: Hybrid
Languages: English, French, and Spanish
What’s on the agenda
This year’s program includes discussions and exchanges focused on the legal and practical questions surrounding SEPs and related disputes.
Day one will set the scene with a warm-up on WIPO’s current SEP-related work, tools, and support, offering space to take stock, gather feedback, and reflect.
On day two, the dialogue turns to SEP litigation and dispute settlement trends, with discussions on jurisdiction, FRAND determination, remedies, litigation strategies, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options, and emerging developments in SEP policy around the world.
Full program details will be available soon.
Who is this seminar for?
The seminar is designed for participants interested in the global SEP dispute settlement landscape, including:
- Member State representatives, IP offices, and ministries
- Judges and members of the judiciary, including jurists from developing countries and emerging SEP jurisdictions
- Industry representatives, SMEs and market participants
- Practitioners, academics and patent specialists
Why SEP disputes matter
SEPs are central to technologies that rely on common standards to connect and work smoothly, from digital communications to connected products and services. When disputes arise over SEP licensing, courtroom litigation, mediation and other dispute settlement mechanisms can play a key role in shaping outcomes.
The seminar builds on WIPO’s Strategy on Standard Essential Patents and follows the 2025 WIPO SEP Symposium, “A SEPtember Symphony”, which brought the global SEP community together for dialogue on the legal, policy and economic dimensions of SEPs and their licensing.
Learn more
- About SEPs
- How to search SEPs in PATENTSCOPE
- PATENTSCOPE SEP records
- FRAND Economics: Valuation Methods in Licensing Standard Essential Patents
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Options for FRAND Disputes
- WIPO Lex SEP Case Law Collection
- PATENTSCOPE Expands Pool-Verified SEP Data Collection
- Follow WIPO Patents and Technology on LinkedIn for all the latest news and updates
Questions or comments?