From AI and the UPC to troublesome trademarks in China, experts name the IP trends likely to dominate 2026
This year’s most-read stories covered uncertainty at the USPTO, a potential boycott of a major international IP conference, rankings releases, and a contempt of court proceeding
Viji Krishnan of Corsearch unpicks the results of a survey that reveals almost 80% of trademark practitioners believe in a hybrid AI model for trademark clearance and searches
News of Via Licensing Alliance selling its HEVC/VCC pools and a $1.5 million win for Davis Polk were also among the top talking points
A vote to be held in 2026 could create Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, a $3.6bn giant with 3,100 lawyers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific
Clarivate’s Ed White discusses the joy of measuring innovation and why patent attorneys are a special breed
National groups for the UK and the Netherlands have flagged concerns with the choice of venue, following a formal complaint from Australia’s national group
Geoff Steward and Rebecca Newman of Addleshaw Goddard explain how they secured victory in a rare ‘genericide’ case and why the work went beyond the courtroom
News of a slowdown in the UK’s clean energy IP landscape and an EPO report on unitary patent uptake were also among the top talking points
King & Wood Mallesons will break into two entities, 14 years after a merger between a Chinese and an Australian firm created the combined outfit
Teams from Shakespeare Martineau and DWF will take centre stage in a dispute concerning the registrability of dairy terminology in plant-based products
The association’s Australian group has filed a formal complaint against the choice of venue, citing Dubai as an unsafe environment for the LGBTQIA+ community
Recently published Special Focus articles
Recently published Special Focus articles
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Sponsored by Remfry & SagarRadha Khera and Sanhita Chatterjee of Remfry & Sagar explore how fashion brands are deploying AI, blockchain, and legal-tech tools to fight the escalating global threat of counterfeiting and protect brand integrity -
Sponsored by ZaccoJoin Managing IP and Zacco on June 10 to explore why intellectual property due diligence is critical to investment and acquisition success. Learn what to look out for when evaluating an IP portfolio and product roadmap, maximising potential value and mitigating the risk of expensive surprises
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Sponsored by Anand and AnandAs the world changes and technology grows fast, the way we think about trademarks is also changing. Trademarks which are used to identify and protect brands, have traditionally included names and logos. However, in the future, they will take on new forms, reflect new consumer behaviour and require new legal rules to stay effective.
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Sponsored by Tilleke & GibbinsWhile Indonesia’s first-to-file principle creates an opportunity for trademark squatting, Robbaita Zahra and Wongrat Ratanaprayul of Tilleke & Gibbins say Bitmain’s successful cancellation actions indicate the legal system’s ability to address unfair practices
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Sponsored by RNA, Technology and IP AttorneysRanjan Narula and Eeshani Sharma of RNA, Technology and IP Attorneys explain how India’s legal framework applies to video game characters and question whether it needs to ‘level up’, given the industry’s rapid evolution
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Sponsored by Vivien Chan & CoVivien Chan and Anna Mae Koo of Vivien Chan & Co discuss how technological developments in areas such as AI and e-commerce are reshaping intellectual property protection strategies and how companies can safeguard their brands
Data from Managing IP+’s Talent Tracker shows the possible effects of merger uncertainty and the buoyancy of the US legal market
Law firm sources weigh in on AI risks after a report revealed that corporations are more likely to use new tech
Robert Reading of Clarivate examines years’ worth of trademark data in the EU and US, predicting what it might mean for brands
Unless record numbers of applications are filed in the next two months, filings could be down year-on-year by the biggest margin since 1996
Interviews; Exclusives
Interviews; Exclusives
Swati Sharma and Revanta Mathur at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas explain how they overcame IP office objections to secure victory for a tyre manufacturer
Amanda Griffiths, who will be tasked with expanding the firm’s trademark offering in New Zealand, says she hopes to offer greater flexibility to clients at her new home
Qantm IP’s CEO and AI programme lead discuss the business’s investment and M&A plans, and reveal their tech ambitions
Monika Żuraw, founder of Żuraw & Partners, discusses why IP should be part of the foundation of a business, and taking on projects that others walk away from
Vivien Chan joins us for our ‘Women in IP’ series to discuss gender bias in the legal profession and why the business model followed by law firms leaves little room for women leaders
Partner Jeremy Hertzog explains how his team worked through a huge amount of disclosure from Adidas and what victory means for the firm
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Weekly take: Why KWM’s demerger was the best bet for both sides
The Australian side, in particular, can benefit by capitalising on its independent status to bring in more work from Western countries while still working with its former Chinese partner -
Weekly take: Combining business with pleasure – how to work with your spouse
Following the anniversary of Venner Shipley and AA Thornton's merger, Ian Gill recalls the initial trepidation about working for his spouse and offers tips for those who may find their personal and professional worlds colliding -
Weekly take: Should we get talking to resolve disputes?
The EUIPO is keen to stress the benefits of mediation as a means of resolving IP disputes, but do roadblocks remain? -
Why proactivity is key for firms to remain in demand
Canadian law firms should avoid ‘tunnel vision’ as exclusive survey reveals client dissatisfaction with risk management advice and value-added services -
Weekly take: Why DEI is not just a tick box exercise
Cassandra Hill of Mishcon de Reya explains why the firm remains committed to diversity targets and why others should follow suit
In the final episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss the IP Inclusive Charter and the senior leaders’ pledge
In the ninth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP & ME, a community focused on ethnic minority IP professionals
In the eighth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP Ability, a network for disabled people and carers active in the IP profession
In the seventh episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP Out, a network for LGBTQAI+ professionals and their allies
Chris Adamson and Milli Bouri of Adamson & Partners join us to discuss IP market trends and what law firm and in-house clients are looking for
In the sixth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP Futures, a network for early-career stage IP professionals
In the fifth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss the ‘Careers in Ideas’ network and how to open access to the profession
In the fourth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss unconscious bias in the IP workplace and how to address it
In the third episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss the ‘Women in IP’ network and the current state of diversity within the profession
In the second in a new podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IPause, a network set up to support those experiencing (peri)menopause
Managing IP+ has launched the Talent Tracker, an interactive database that collates reported partner moves across the intellectual property legal market
Managing IP reveals its pick of the top people driving intellectual property law, policy and business this year
Our list includes nine judges, the details of whom you can find below along with the full list of names that make up the top 50
Our list includes five notable individuals, the details of whom you can find below along with the full list of names that make up the top 50
Tilleke & Gibbins topped the leaderboard with four awards across the region, while Anand & Anand and Kim & Chang emerged as outstanding domestic firms
Find out which firms secured the most nominations for Managing IP’s Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, ahead of the winners being revealed on November 6
In-house counsel and teams are invited to submit information for the 21st annual Managing IP Awards
The location will be easily accessible for delegates visiting London for the INTA Annual Meeting