Think of every activity that turns ideas into income: filmmaking, fashion, music, advertising, video-game design, crafts, architecture, even TikTok dance tutorials. According to UN Trade (UNCTAD), these industries now contribute 0.5 % – 7.3 % of national GDP and up to 12.5 % of employment around the globe.

When a life-saving drug, vaccine or diagnostic test appears, two opposite needs collide. Governments and patients want fast, low-cost access everywhere, yet inventors and investors want to recoup the billions spent on R &D. Intellectual-property (IP) rules sit at the centre of that tension, determining who can make the product, where, how soon and at what price. Getting the balance wrong has real-world consequences: in 2022, for example, the World Health Organization (WHO) still recorded primary COVID-19 vaccination rates below 25 % in many low-income countries while high-income states considered fourth boosters. apps.who.int

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation has radically transformed how we conceive art, literature, music, and even journalism. Platforms capable of automatically generating text, images, videos, and music—such as ChatGPT, DALL·E, Midjourney, or Sora—have opened up unprecedented possibilities for innovation. However, this technological revolution has raised a series of legal and ethical challenges that question the very foundations of traditional copyright law.

In recent years, the rise of "deepfakes" has sparked major concern in international forums on intellectual property, image rights, and digital content legislation. This AI-based technology allows for the superimposition of human faces, voices, and expressions with increasing realism, creating fake but convincing videos or audio. The legal, ethical, and societal implications of this practice are the subject of intense debate.

The impact of generative AI tools on academic research is undeniable, offering both opportunities and ethical and legal challenges. A comprehensive approach combining clear regulations, advanced technologies, and a strong ethical culture is necessary to prevent academic plagiarism and safeguard authorship. Only through such measures can the technological revolution contribute to knowledge advancement while respecting the fundamental principles of research.

The video game and eSports industry has experienced explosive growth over the past decade, generating billions of dollars in revenue and becoming a cornerstone of global entertainment. Behind this surge lies the creation of innovative content ranging from game mechanics and characters to immersive virtual worlds. However, this ecosystem also presents significant challenges regarding intellectual property protection, particularly copyright.

In March 2024, Munich, Germany, hosted one of the most significant gatherings for intellectual property (IP) professionals, legal experts, and business leaders: The Sedona Conference on Global IP Litigation. This event brought to the forefront the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with enforcing IP rights across international borders. With the increasing globalization of trade and technology, the enforcement of IP rights has become more complex, requiring innovative strategies and harmonized legal frameworks to address the diverse challenges faced by businesses worldwide.

Here is a list of some of the main topics discussed at the most recent and significant intellectual property (IP) conferences globally. These discussions provide insight into the key concerns and challenges facing the IP community today. Ten of the most significant intellectual property (IP) legal cases from the past year, highlighting important lessons and precautions for businesses and legal professionals. These cases reflect the dynamic nature of IP law and underscore the need for businesses to stay informed, proactive, and prepared to adapt to legal developments.

In the competitive world of business, trade secrets and other confidential information are invaluable assets that can determine the success or failure of a company. These secrets can include anything from proprietary formulas and algorithms to business strategies, customer lists, and marketing plans. Protecting this information is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge, and one of the most effective legal tools to do so is the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).