Earlier this year, in September 25-27, I had the pleasure of attending the FICPI 22nd Open Forum 2024 in Madrid with my colleagues Sini-Maaria Mikkilä and Laura Roselius. As a first-time attendee, I was excited about the experience—and it exceeded my expectations in every way. From engaging sessions to valuable networking opportunities, it was an event to remember. But before diving into my key takeaways, let me introduce FICPI and its mission.
The International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI) unites independent IP professionals worldwide to collaborate, share insights, and promote best practices. Its flagship event, the Open Forum, establishes dialogue on emerging IP trends and offers unparalleled networking opportunities. The 2024 edition featured engaging sessions on AI’s impact, strategies for patent drafting, and updates on global IP law—delivering fresh perspectives and practical insights.
As a first-time attendee, I was eager to immerse myself in the FICPI experience. My journey began with the first-time attendee reception on Wednesday evening, where newcomers like me gained an overview of FICPI’s mission and working groups. This was followed by the main welcome reception—a lively evening of informal networking with colleagues from across the globe, setting the stage for two days of insightful and engaging discussions.
The sessions on Thursday and Friday were the heart of the event, and a few stood out as particularly impactful.
- “Drafting Without Borders – High Tech”
This session explored strategies for drafting patent applications to maximize the chances of successful prosecution and broadest protection for clients. It was also fascinating to reflect on how patent prosecution differs across jurisdictions and to gather practical tips that I can immediately apply in my day-to-day work.
- “Embracing the Future: Leveraging AI for Patent Searching, Drafting, and Prosecution”
AI was a hot topic, and this session did not disappoint. A panel of experts discussed how AI tools can assist in various aspects of the patent application drafting process. One of the highlights was a demonstration of AI tools attempting part A of the European Qualification Examination (EQE). While the tools ultimately failed the task, the demo offered both a humorous and enlightening perspective on the current limitations of AI in the field.
- “AI & IP: An Arranged Marriage? Decoding a Relationship Not So Intellectual”
This session brought together global perspectives on how AI tools are already being utilized in different aspects of the IP business. Hearing real-world experiences and success stories from colleagues brought new ideas for how we could implement AI solutions at Boco.
One of the standout aspects of the FICPI Open Forum is the opportunity to network. The event’s structure allowed ample time for connecting with colleagues, both formally and informally, throughout the day. From casual conversations over coffee to in-depth discussions during breaks, I had the chance to meet IP professionals from around the world. These interactions not only strengthened my professional network but also led to personal connections. The value of these moments cannot be overstated—they provided insights into different practices and initiated collaborations, which I look forward to developing further.
In summary, the FICPI 22nd Open Forum was an unforgettable experience that exceeded all my expectations. It broadened my understanding of global IP trends, provided practical tips for my own practice, and introduced me to a supportive community of professionals. The sessions challenged me to think critically about the future of the IP industry, particularly with emerging technologies like AI, while the networking opportunities were invaluable for building connections. I’m already looking forward to returning on the next opportunity and continuing to grow within this dynamic community. If you’re in the IP field and haven’t yet attended a FICPI Open Forums yet, I can’t recommend it enough. True to its name, the event is open to all and doesn’t require FICPI membership. Let’s connect, share ideas, and shape the future of intellectual property together!
