Scholars, practitioners and researchers gathered in Geneva on June 18 to 19 for the Intellectual Property Researchers of Europe (IPRE) 2026 Conference to examine how intellectual property (IP) can continue to foster innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable technologies, data governance and creative industries.
Jointly organized by the University of Geneva, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), the IPRE conference provided a platform for international dialogue on emerging IP issues at the intersection of law, technology, trade and public policy.
The conference was held at WIPO Headquarters with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Hasan Kleib, Deputy Director General of WIPO, who highlighted the importance of IP in promoting innovation, creativity and sustainable economic development.
Addressing Emerging IP Issues
Over two days, participants explored issues shaping today's innovation landscape, including artificial intelligence, copyright, patent law, trademarks, geographical indications, data governance, green technology, standard-essential patents, trade secrets and the role of evidence-based policymaking in developing effective IP systems.
Discussions reflected the increasing need for international cooperation and research-driven policymaking to address the rapid pace of technological change.
Advancing IP Education
Held alongside the conference, the WIPO Academy's Dialogue on IP Education brought together academics and practitioners to discuss the future of IP teaching and capacity building. Participants examined emerging trends in IP education, including digital learning, interdisciplinary approaches and the growing importance of AI, sustainability and data governance within academic curricula.
In his closing reflections, Mr. Hongbing Chen, Senior Director of the WIPO Academy, emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among universities, policymakers and international organizations to ensure IP education remains responsive to an increasingly complex and interconnected world. He also confirmed the WIPO Academy's continued commitment of playing a leadership role in IP education and training globally. Mr. Victor Owade, the Academy's Head of Academic Institutions and Executive Program, highlighted the dialogue is helping to build a shared understanding about how the IP education landscape is evolving and the key drivers shaping this evolution across different regions.
The conference also provided participants in the 2026 WIPO–University of Geneva Summer School on Intellectual Property with the opportunity to engage directly with internationally renowned experts, further strengthening the link between education, research and practice.
Researchers, academics, practitioners, and policy professionals are encouraged to follow upcoming announcements on IPRE 2027 and stay connected through the official IPRE webpage at the University of Geneva.