Members responded to the return of our annual programme of in-person conferences with real enthusiasm.
AI, IP and the future of the profession: highlights from CIPA Congress 2025
CIPA Congress 2025 was held in Bristol and began with a pre‑event networking evening at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, sponsored by Welocalize and Park IP. The Congress brought together IP professionals from the UK and overseas. Early sessions covered technological change, including developments in AI, and reflected on the work of the CIPA EDI Committee and IP Inclusive.
The main programme focused on AI in patent practice, IP offices and data management. Sessions examined the capabilities and limits of large language models, their practical use, and risks around confidentiality, skills erosion and professional responsibility. Speakers emphasised that AI should support, not replace, professional judgement, and highlighted the need for careful tool selection, appropriate contractual terms and ongoing training. Data management was a recurring theme, including issues of scale, ownership and regulation.
Later sessions addressed litigation, drafting and policy. Judges from the UPC and UK courts discussed current UPC practice, expressing caution about AI‑generated submissions while recognising AI’s administrative potential. International panels reviewed the treatment of AI‑related inventions across jurisdictions, stressing the importance of detailed technical disclosure and demonstrating a technical effect. The Congress concluded with sessions on US patent eligibility, copyright and AI‑generated works, recent EPO referrals, and the continued importance of human expertise.
IP Paralegal Conference 2025
The IP Paralegal Conference was held in London in 2025 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, with more than 180 delegates attending. The conference was hosted by Chief Executive Lee Davies.
The programme covered a range of current and practical topics for IP paralegals, including patent prosecution in China, neurodiversity, US formalities and an interactive networking session. An in‑person presentation by the EPO formed part of the programme and generated delegate discussion.
After the conference, delegates attended a drinks and canapés reception, which provided an opportunity for further networking. Prizes were awarded to three delegates for participation in conference activities.
CIPA Student Conference 2025: inspiring the next generation of patent professionals
The CIPA Student Conference was held in Manchester on 10 April 2025 and was attended by more than 100 delegates. It was the first time the event had taken place outside Birmingham, reflecting CIPA’s aim to broaden regional access and improve accessibility for students across the UK.
The programme included expert‑led sessions and practical workshops focused on professional development and routes into patent practice. Sessions covered soft‑skills training, career pathways, workplace confidence and resilience, and concluded with a Moot Court exercise providing advocacy experience. The conference ended with a drinks reception, offering further opportunities for discussion and networking.
CIPA IP Ball
The CIPA IP Ball was held on Saturday 12 July 2025 and raised funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The event took place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms and was attended by more than 200 guests. Proceedings began with a drinks reception, followed by an evening programme combining formal and social elements.
The IP Ball forms part of CIPA’s wider fundraising and community engagement activities, providing an opportunity for patent and trade mark professionals, trainees and industry partners to support a shared charitable objective while strengthening professional connections.
