AIPPI Returns to Japan After 33 Years: IP & AI Global Talks 2025

Prime Highlight

The International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) returns to Japan after 33 years, with nearly 2,700 participants expected in Yokohama from September 13–16 to discuss AI, copyright, trademark rights, and preliminary injunctions.
AIPPI emphasizes the need for harmonized legal frameworks for AI, protecting intellectual property while ensuring human oversight in AI applications.

Key Facts

The congress will feature high-profile speakers, including Japan Supreme Court Justice Mitsuko Miyagawa, Japan Patent Office Commissioner Yasuyuki Kasai, and leaders from multinational corporations like Panasonic, L’Oreal, and Huawei.
AIPPI is expanding Asian representation in its leadership, adding new bureau members from India, China, and Australia to strengthen diversity and regional engagement.

Background

Following a 33-year break, the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) returns to Japan, with nearly 2,700 participants expected in Yokohama from September 13 to 16. The event will focus on four major study questions: artificial intelligence and copyright, compulsory licences, exhaustion of trademark rights, and preliminary injunctions.

AIPPI President Lorenza Ferrari Hofer emphasized the increasing relevance of AI in Asia and internationally. She noted that harmonized legislation was necessary among countries to make AI safe and effective. South Korea and the European Union already have detailed AI laws in place, whereas Japan has recently adopted the Act on Promotion of Research and Development and the Utilisation of AI-related Technology with an emphasis on safe development without penalties.

Ferrari Hofer stressed that the goal should be to establish legal frameworks to protect intellectual property, such as patents and copyrights, while keeping humans involved in AI applications. “AIPPI’s role is to analyse AI issues and provide guidance based on legal and regulatory factors,” she said.

The congress will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Japan Supreme Court Justice Mitsuko Miyagawa, Japan Patent Office Commissioner Yasuyuki Kasai, and a senior judge from China’s Supreme People’s Court. Multinational corporations such as Panasonic, L’Oreal, and Huawei leaders will also participate.

Besides the legal conversations, the event will feature the Japanese culture, including a manga panel. AIPPI is also expanding Asian representation in its leadership, with new bureau members from India, China, and Australia, strengthening diversity and regional engagement in the organisation.