From practical enforcement strategies to cutting-edge technologies, the eighteenth session of the Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE 18) reaffirmed the role of the ACE as a dynamic global platform for policy dialogue, practical cooperation and the exchange of real-world enforcement experiences. Held in Geneva from June 2 to 4, 2026, ACE 18 attracted more than 250 participants representing 85 Member States, the European Union, and 27 observer organizations.
Featuring one of the highest numbers of contributions
The session, chaired by Mr. Tim Werner from Switzerland, featured 33 presentations by Member States, observers and other stakeholders – one of the highest number of contributions for an ACE session to date.
The contributions explored a broad range of issues, such as:
- Raising IP awareness through Member State initiatives;
- Institutional frameworks, administrative and criminal enforcement models;
- Consumer behavior, market intelligence and evidence-based enforcement;
- Digital piracy, online enforcement and intermediary responsibility;
- Technology, AI and enforcement tools; and
- Alternative enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation.
The ACE Secretariat also shared updates on key WIPO initiatives, including the development of the WIPO Academy Distance Learning Course on IP Enforcement, the IMPACT Capacity-Building Project and the WIPO ALERT-Pay initiative.
Two WIPO-commissioned studies added further depth to the discussions - Artificial Intelligence Tools for Dealing with Copyright Piracy: Technological, Legal and Policy Dimensions [PDF] and Piracy Uncovered: Understanding Consumer Perception and Consumption of Pirated Content in Malaysia and Viet Nam [PDF].
Bringing IP Enforcement to life
Beyond the plenary session, ACE 18 offered participants various opportunities to learn more about enforcement challenges and solutions from different perspectives. The first ever WIPO Tech for Enforcement Exhibit showcased more than 20 cutting-edge technologies and tools designed to combat counterfeiting and piracy. The ACE Cinema brought awareness-raising to the screen, featuring over 40 videos from around the world, and a side event organized by the International Trademark Association (INTA) explored how transport and logistics actors can help disrupt counterfeit supply chains.
All written contributions, studies and presentations are available on the ACE/18 webpage and will be added to the ACE Documents Catalog.
Missed the session? View it on the WIPO Webcast.