INTA 2026 Annual Meeting Opens in London Under the Sign of Change, Community, and Global IP Transformation

Hosted at the ExCeL London exhibition centre, the event has brought together close to 10,000 professionals from more than 100 jurisdictions, confirming its status as a cornerstone gathering for the international IP community. It set the tone for a five-day program addressing the most pressing challenges facing the sector - from artificial intelligence and enforcement strategies to the growing financialization of intangible assets.

A Community at the Core of IP Evolution

In an inspiring opening address, INTA President Deborah A. Hampton, Global Brand Enforcement & Trademark Team Leader at The Chemours Company (USA), portrayed INTA as far more than a professional association. For over forty years, she explained, it has represented a space for learning, support, challenge, personal development—and above all, a true sense of belonging.

Ms. Hampton began her career in 1983, an era marked by the release of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the rise of the Mario Brothers arcade game, and the popularity of the Sony Walkman. Early on, she made a deliberate commitment to avoid complacency: she consistently sought out environments where she felt out of place, stepping into rooms where she was new and tested.

INTA became one such environment, and in 2026 she made history as the organization’s first African American President.

Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized that INTA enabled her to be entirely herself—open, genuine, and authentic—while fostering her growth and deepening her passion for the profession and its broader impact.

Rather than relying on titles, she built her career on conviction: belief in INTA, in the importance of intellectual property protection, in the profession’s role in driving innovation, economic development, and consumer confidence—and ultimately, belief in her own abilities.

Describing INTA as a guiding force, she noted that it served as a refuge during times when her expertise and identity as a Trademark Administrator and as an African American woman were not fully recognized beyond the Association.

She also paid tribute to mentors who shaped her path, underscoring that inclusion and belonging are not abstract ideals but tangible experiences—felt when individuals are welcomed, listened to, and encouraged to contribute.

Ms. Hampton highlighted key initiatives such as the Belonging and Inclusion Council, the Women’s Leadership Initiative, and the INTA Foundation.

In a context of rapid transformation, she stressed the growing importance of mentorship, noting that the future will depend not only on policies and programs, but on the people the profession supports and develops into leaders.

The experience-innovation dynamic

Building on these themes, the Annual Meeting Co-Chairs echoed the interplay between continuity and change. Tanya Fickenscher, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Major League Baseball (USA), pointed out that intellectual property inherently bridges past and future: it relies on longstanding legal principles while constantly adapting to emerging technologies and creative fields.

Lara Kayode, Owner and Managing Partner of O. Kayode & Co (Nigeria), emphasized that this balance between experience and innovation should be embraced. The future of IP, she noted, is not owned by a single generation but shaped collectively through mentorship, curiosity, and shared learning.

They encouraged attendees to engage actively - connecting with new people, asking questions, and making the most of the experience.

As Ms. Kayode concluded, the program is designed not only to inform, but to stimulate discussion, challenge perspectives, and inspire participants to return to their organizations with fresh ideas and new ways of thinking.

The ceremony also showcased emerging innovation through the announcement of the Open Innovation Challenge winners, recognizing startups from Nigeria and the United Kingdom across different stages of growth—further reinforcing INTA’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship within the IP ecosystem.

IP in a Fragmented Global Landscape

INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo offered a broader geopolitical and economic perspective, describing the current environment as one of fragmentation and shifting assumptions. In this context, intellectual property is no longer confined to technical discussions but is increasingly embedded in debates حول trust, fairness, access, and technological governance.

He highlighted a significant shift in the profession: IP is moving from a purely legal function to a strategic and reputational asset. Brand protection is now closely tied to revenue protection, while trust has become the defining currency for IP practitioners.

Sanz de Acedo also announced several forward-looking initiatives, including the development of an AI roadmap, new research on the valuation of IP assets, and upcoming reports on the use of artificial intelligence in trademark analysis. These initiatives reflect INTA’s ambition to remain at the forefront of global IP policy and practice.

Strengthening the Global IP Framework

The international dimension of the discussions was reinforced by the participation of Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He called for “meaningful and purposeful change” to ensure that IP systems remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world.

Highlighting ongoing modernization efforts, Tang pointed to key global tools such as the Madrid System and other international frameworks that facilitate cross-border protection. His intervention underscored a shared objective: building a more inclusive and effective global IP ecosystem capable of supporting innovation, economic growth, and societal progress.

Brands, Behavior, and the Future of Value

One of the standout moments of the ceremony was the keynote conversation with British entrepreneur Anya Hindmarch. Drawing on her experience building a global luxury brand, she offered a nuanced perspective on the relationship between intellectual property, creativity, and consumer trust.

She challenged traditional notions of branding, arguing that “brand equals behavior” - a concept that reframes IP as not only a legal safeguard but also a reflection of corporate values and authenticity. In an increasingly complex and fast-moving environment, she stressed that protecting creativity will require more proactive support and adaptive strategies.

Her remarks also touched on sustainability, activism, and leadership, portraying modern brands as agents of change navigating what she described as a “chaotic but ultimately positive” future.

London as a Strategic IP Hub

Hosting the Annual Meeting in London highlights the city’s role as a global centre for legal expertise, finance, and innovation. Against this backdrop, INTA 2026 positions itself as a critical forum for international cooperation at a time when cross-border challenges are intensifying.

As the program unfolds, one message is clear: in an era defined by uncertainty and transformation, the global IP community is placing collaboration, inclusivity, and strategic foresight at the heart of its agenda.

Sophie Stevenard