The institute’s influence both domestically and overseas can be demonstrated by the achievements of its committees across the year. The following summary of activities reflects a wide-ranging and coordinated effort to support the intellectual property professions across policy, education, international engagement, and professional practice.
The newly established Public Affairs Committee played a pivotal role in shaping CIPA’s policy agenda, coordinating consultation responses, and strengthening engagement with government, parliamentarians, and international organisations. Its work ensured alignment across committees on key issues such as AI, design rights and supporting SMEs. Parliamentary and stakeholder engagement was a major achievement, strengthening relationships with MPs, peers and officials, including engagement with the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee and a parliamentary event showcasing the value of IP to SMEs. A committee sub-group engaged directly with ministers and officials on burdensome IP clauses in government grant and procurement contracts. The committee highlighted concerns that overly broad clauses can undermine investment, exports and scale-up opportunities for innovative UK businesses, and argued that less intrusive measures could address government concerns around vendor lock-in. Internationally, the committee drove engagement with key figures at the World Trade Organization, countering anti-IP narratives through Global South case studies which were featured in reports co-published with the International Chamber of Commerce UK and the IP Federation.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee played a central role in helping the profession respond to rapid technological change. Building on its origins as a task force, it expanded its membership and delivered guidance, webinars, and thought leadership on the ethical and practical use of AI, while also engaging with external organisations to align approaches.
The Congress Planning Committee (and wider Congress Committee) successfully delivered CIPA Congress 2025 in Bristol, demonstrating strong international engagement and high attendance. Planning activities also supported associated events such as the Annual Dinner and pre-conference reception, while laying foundations for future congresses.
CIPA’s Designs & Copyright Committee contributed extensively to UKIPO policy development, including consultations on design reform and graphic user interface (GUI) applications. Its collaboration with the Public Affairs Committee strengthened coordinated policy engagement, particularly on sensitive issues such as criminal sanctions for design infringement.
The Education Committee addressed training, accreditation, and professional development pathways, including apprenticeships and examination frameworks, ensuring that the next generation of practitioners is well supported.
The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee advanced initiatives to improve access, representation, and data-driven decision-making across the profession. Its work included event planning, policy input, and the development of diversity data strategies to ensure long-term cultural change.
The IP Commercialisation Committee focused on strengthening links between IP and economic growth, supporting SMEs, universities, and technology transfer. Through consultations, training initiatives, and collaboration with the Public Affairs Committee, it reinforced the importance of IP in innovation and investment.
The IP Paralegal Committee (also referred to as the Paralegal Committee) achieved significant progress in professional development, including the launch of the Advanced Patent Paralegal Course, expansion of webinar programmes, and continued delivery of the annual conference. It also supported the introduction of mandatory continuing competence requirements and explored apprenticeship pathways.
The Informals Committee maintained strong engagement with student members through surveys, training support, and networking initiatives, while addressing key issues such as examination accreditation and trainee welfare.
International engagement remained a major priority for the International Liaison Committee (ILC) and the European Union Liaison Committee (EULC). These committees strengthened relationships with global partners, through hosting incoming delegations, visiting our sister associations abroad, attending international conferences, and policy discussions across key jurisdictions through meetings with international patent offices and associations, while also influencing EU IP developments through coordinated networks.
The Litigation Committee focused on developments in litigation rights, training, and court operations, including exploration of new educational programmes and collaboration with the UPC Committee.
The Life Sciences Committee demonstrated significant activity through governance reform, sub-committee development, policy engagement, and delivery of its flagship conference. It also contributed to technical consultations and maintained close dialogue with the UK IPO and industry stakeholders.
The Patents Committee addressed key developments in patent law and policy, including digital transformation and AI implications, often collaborating with other specialist committees to ensure a unified response.
The Small Practices Committee focused on supporting smaller firms through practical guidance, including the development of a comprehensive resource for setting up a practice and initiatives to encourage peer networking.
The Sustainability Committee advanced environmental initiatives, including CIPA’s participation in the Legal Sustainability Alliance and development of resources to support sustainable practices within the profession.
The Trade Marks Committee contributed to international developments and EUIPO initiatives, while maintaining CIPA’s independent voice in consultations and expanding professional engagement through targeted events.
Finally, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) Committee delivered its inaugural conference, contributed to consultations, and supported members navigating the evolving UPC system. The committee set up a UPC Interest Group and produces a quarterly newsletter for subscribers, highlighting case law developments, putting a spotlight on UPC related events by CIPA and external organisations, and providing news updates from the court.
Together, these committees demonstrate CIPA’s comprehensive and collaborative approach to advancing the profession, ensuring it remains resilient, inclusive, and responsive to both technological and regulatory change.