The International Trademark Association (INTA) hosts its annual meeting in a different location each year. This May 2026, the chosen destination is London. Ahead of the annual meet, INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo takes over the IPO blog to talk about the importance of global collaboration on IP matters and the significance of London as the host city.
Collaboration is key
Intellectual property (IP) sits at the crossroads of innovation, creativity, and commerce. It allows new ideas to travel safely from conception to market, it gives entrepreneurs the confidence to invest, and it underscores the trust consumers place the products and services they choose. Yet in today’s global and integrated economy, IP cannot be protected, promoted, or advanced by any one government or institution alone. Its strength depends on global collaboration and on the communities we build across borders.
In many ways, IP stands alone in this regard. No other legal system is as harmonised globally or enjoys mutual support across the aisles within government chambers. And cooperation among governments, brand owners, practitioners, and international organisations elevates the entire IP ecosystem. When we share experiences, align on best practices, and engage in open dialogue, we do more than improve laws or enforcement mechanisms, we create a shared culture of respect for ideas—one that supports growth, inclusion, and innovation worldwide.
However, while we see a lot of collaboration among IP offices, it is often cooperation for the sake of cooperation. We encourage IP offices to keep industry—as the number one filer and customer—top of mind and to form collaborations around brand owners’ interests and priorities.
As we live through today’s increasingly complex challenges—from geopolitics to climate change—this collaborative spirit has never been more important. At the same time, technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and data-driven business models are transforming how value is created and captured. Brands and creative works now move instantaneously across markets, often facing vastly different legal and cultural landscapes. These realities demand coordinated approaches to IP advocacy, thoughtful policy development, and a willingness to listen and learn from one another.
At INTA, we see ourselves first and foremost as a global community. Our members span jurisdictions, industries, and professional roles, yet they are united by a belief that strong IP rights are essential to healthy economies and vibrant societies. Community building is not a byproduct of our work—it’s at the center of our work. By bringing people together, we create the conditions for trust, collaboration, and practical solutions to shared challenges.
London 2026
Few places embody this global outlook better than London. For centuries, London has been a meeting point for ideas, talent, and trade. Today, it stands as a world-leading center for business, innovation, and IP expertise. Its legal institutions, creative industries, research hubs, and financial markets form a dynamic ecosystem in which IP is not an abstract concept, but a living driver of progress.
London’s strength lies not only in its history, but in its openness. It is a city that welcomes international perspectives and thrives on exchange. From technology startups and life sciences to fashion, media, and green innovation, London-based enterprises understand that IP is central to competing responsibly on a global stage. Equally important, policymakers and practitioners in the UK have long recognised the value of balanced, forward-looking IP systems that support both innovation and public trust.
It is for these reasons that London is such a fitting host for INTA’s 2026 Annual Meeting. This is the largest global gathering of IP professionals, but more importantly, it is where our community comes to life. It is where brand owners connect with counsel, where policymakers engage directly with practitioners, and where emerging voices find a place at the table alongside seasoned leaders.
What makes this gathering unique is not just the scale or the breadth of topics discussed, but the sense of shared purpose. Whether the conversation is about counterfeiting, digital transformation, sustainability, or the future of professional development, the common thread is collaboration. Participants come not only to learn, but to contribute—to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and build relationships that endure long after the meeting ends.
Hosting the Annual Meeting in London sends a powerful signal about the role of the UK in the global IP landscape. It underscores London’s position as a trusted convenor and highlights the city’s capacity to bring diverse stakeholders together around complex, global issues. At a time when international cooperation is both more challenging and more necessary than ever, that role matters.
This is also a huge opportunity for the London and broader UK IP community. We expect local law firms to truly take advantage of an Annual Meeting on their home soil. On top of full meeting registrations, INTA is offering local INTA associate members the option to purchase day passes and bring young professionals and paralegals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in the Annual Meeting. This is a unique opportunity to allow the next generation to begin their own collaborations within the global IP community.
How to get involved
As we look ahead to 2026, I believe strongly that the future of IP will be shaped by those who choose to engage—across borders, across disciplines, and across perspectives. No single organisation or jurisdiction has all the answers. But together, as a global community, we can ensure that IP continues to serve as a force for innovation, fairness, and opportunity.
I invite IP professionals from across the UK and around the world—whether you work in private practice, in-house, government, academia, or industry—to join us in London next month for our 2026 Annual Meeting. Come to share your insights, to learn from others, and to be part of a truly global conversation about the future of IP.
London is ready to welcome the world. I look forward to seeing you there.
Leave a comment