‘Green Light for Growth’ at the ECTA Annual Conference 2026: register soon!

Today, Dublin is a dynamic European capital, a global hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. The city’s docklands – once filled with ships – now host the European headquarters of major tech giants and trailblazing Irish firms. Its universities, research centres, and creative industries drive Dublin’s reputation as a city of ideas and progress.

Visitors will find a city alive with culture and warmth. Literary legends such as Joyce and Yeats continue to inspire, while traditional music sessions spill from historic pubs. A cosmopolitan dining scene and buzzing nightlife reflect the city’s modern edge.

Delegates at ECTA 2026 will experience first-hand why Ireland is a place where heritage meets innovation – and where bold ideas find green lights to grow.

The conference will kick off with committee meetings to discuss ongoing projects and key developments across all intellectual property (IP) areas, offering a wealth of useful insights for IP professionals. Sneak peek: in Dublin, discussions will also begin on a very relevant topic that goes beyond the purely legal dimension of IP – its valuation.

The educational programme will then open with a highly interactive mock mediation workshop. Participants will be guided through the preparatory phase, observe a mediation in action, explore the roles of the parties involved, and analyse the key factors that contribute to a successful outcome. This will be followed by a keynote session addressing challenges and evolving dynamics for women in the IP practice. Professionals of all genders and levels of seniority are warmly encouraged to attend.

Our active and fast-growing Young Professionals Group will also host a dedicated gathering for its 100-plus members. The day will conclude with the Welcome Reception at Café en Seine, one of Dublin’s most iconic venues, blending belle époque glamour with contemporary Irish style.

After the opening remarks by the ECTA president, Thursday will begin with a lively interview with leading IP personalities from institutions, industry, and private practice, offering a multi-perspective overview of the latest IP news and trends. The programme will then continue with a practical panel on best practices for developing and managing comprehensive IP portfolios in the era of green technology, addressing both protection strategies and value creation.

Further sessions will explore the impact of AI and ‘dupe’ influencers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, as well as how ESG considerations influence IP strategy in the tech sector, touching on emerging trends in IP litigation and enforcement.

ECTA’s board of directors and long-standing members will welcome first-time attendees to the ECTA Family in a dedicated gathering, sharing practical tips on how to make the most out of the association and conference experience. There will be ample networking time and some video interview opportunities for newcomers.

The day will conclude with a networking evening at the Guinness Storehouse, one of Ireland’s most visited attractions and an emblem of the country’s brewing heritage – as the Irish say, sláinte! (Cheers!)

Friday’s programme will provide a final learning boost, opening with a session on the EUIPO Knowledge Centre, including a comparison between the EU and US copyright systems. This will be followed by a geographical indications-dedicated session on ESG, greenwashing, and green claims, and a session exploring how AI is impacting the design field, from creation and use to protection and enforcement. The working programme will conclude with one of ECTA’s most popular highlights: the session on recent EU case law, offering an update of key judicial IP developments.

ECTA Award winners will be celebrated, and the conference will conclude with a gala dinner at the Royal Dublin Society, one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore beautiful Dublin on a half-day tour featuring some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks: the majestic Trinity College, its world-famous Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Dublin Castle, the vibrant Temple Bar district, and much more.

Alternatively, a full-day tour will take participants through Ireland’s scenic landscapes, from the monastic ruins of Glendalough, across the rugged Wicklow Mountains, to Enniskerry, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, nestled in a wooded hollow among the hills. The Baileys-making workshop will add a uniquely local touch.

Apply for membership and attend the conference at a discounted member rate!

For more information, email ecta@ecta.org.