The IP Case Law Conference 2026, themed "Growing through change," was a hybrid event held on 21–22 May 2026, organized by the Boards of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). It convened over 1,600 participants, including IP judges, practitioners, and policymakers, to discuss developments shaping European Union trade mark and design practice in an evolving intellectual property landscape.
The conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case-driven insights on topics such as key rulings of the General Court and Boards of Appeal, the latest copyright and AI disputes, shifting boundaries in design law, strategic enforcement of lesser-known national rights, global perspectives on trade mark and domain name conflicts, and the future of IP adjudication in an unpredictable world.
Notable speakers included the Vice-President of the General Court, a Judge of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Heads of EU IP offices, EU and national judges, IP attorneys, as well as representatives from user associations and companies such as Amazon, Lamborghini, and Inditex. The event provided opportunities for networking and high-level discussions on the evolution of IP jurisprudence.
The conference was designed for IP judges, legal practitioners, academics, in-house counsel, and institutional representatives interested in the latest developments in IP case law and its practical implications.
Speakers(19)
Cinzia Negro
Chairperson of the 2nd Board of Appeal at EUIPO
Cinzia Negro is the Chairperson of the 2nd Board of Appeal at the EUIPO, handling appeals in trade mark and design matters.
Eva Schewior
President at German Patent and Trademark Office
Eva Schewior is the President of the German Patent and Trademark Office, leading the office's efforts in intellectual property protection.
Francesca Portincasa
Head of Legal at Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Francesca Portincasa is the Head of Legal at Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., overseeing legal matters related to automotive design.
Gordon Humphreys
Chairperson of the 1st and 3rd Boards of Appeal at EUIPO
Gordon Humphreys is the Chairperson of the 1st and 3rd Boards of Appeal at the EUIPO, handling appeals in trade mark and design cases.
Inga George
Team Co-chair MARQUES Designs Team at Boesling IP Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB
Inga George is a Team Co-chair of the MARQUES Designs Team and a member of Boesling IP Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB, specializing in design law.
Ion Gâlea
President of the Eighth Chamber, Judge at General Court of the European Union
Ion Gâlea is the President of the Eighth Chamber and a Judge at the General Court of the European Union, focusing on trade mark adjudication.
João Negrão
Executive Director at EUIPO
João Negrão serves as the Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), overseeing its strategic direction and operations.
Katie Gouldi
In-House Counsel at Not specified
Katie Gouldi is an in-house counsel providing insights into the practical aspects of proof of use in EU trade marks.
Klaudia Misztal
IP Specialist at EUIPO Boards of Appeal
Klaudia Misztal is an IP Specialist at the EUIPO Boards of Appeal and an accredited mediator at the EUIPO Mediation Centre.
Krystyna Kowalik-Bańczyk
President of the Third Chamber, Judge at General Court of the European Union
Krystyna Kowalik-Bańczyk serves as the President of the Third Chamber and a Judge at the General Court of the European Union, specializing in intellectual property law.
Paula de Andrés Gómez
European Design Attorney, Partner at FICPI, ECTA, INTA, AIPLA
Paula de Andrés Gómez is a European Design Attorney and Partner, actively involved in organizations like FICPI, ECTA, INTA, and AIPLA.
Philipe Kutschke
Partner at Bardehle und Pagenberg
Philipe Kutschke is a Partner at Bardehle und Pagenberg, co-chairing the AIPPI Design Committee and specializing in design law.
Päivi Tahkokallio
Founder and CEO at Tahkokallio Design+
Päivi Tahkokallio is the Founder and CEO of Tahkokallio Design+, offering insights into the practical application of design law.
Savvas S. Papasavvas
Vice-President at General Court of the European Union
Savvas S. Papasavvas is the Vice-President of the General Court of the European Union, contributing to the court's decisions on intellectual property matters.
Shane Smyth
Solicitor Partner at FRKelly
Shane Smyth is a Solicitor Partner at FRKelly, specializing in intellectual property law and proof of use in EU trade marks.
Sven Stürmann
President at Boards of Appeal of the EUIPO
Sven Stürmann is the President of the Boards of Appeal of the EUIPO, overseeing appeals related to EU trade mark and design cases.
Thomas Frydendahl
Litigator at EUIPO Boards of Appeal Litigation Service
Thomas Frydendahl is a Litigator at the EUIPO Boards of Appeal Litigation Service and a member of the Norwegian Board of Appeal (KFIR).
Virginia Melgar
Chairperson of the 5th Board of Appeal at EUIPO
Virginia Melgar is the Chairperson of the 5th Board of Appeal at the EUIPO, overseeing appeals in intellectual property cases.
William Valasidis
Judge at General Court of the European Union
William Valasidis is a Judge at the General Court of the European Union, involved in cases related to trade mark law.
Event Details
- Date
- May 21-22, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇪🇸 Alicante, Spain
- EUIPO Headquarters, Alicante, Spain
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- IP judges, legal practitioners, academics, in-house counsel, institutional representatives
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
- Attendees
- Over 1,600