AIPPI World Congress 2025: A Conversation with Ralph Nack, Reporter General, on the Road to Yokohama 2025

AIPPI World Congress 2025: A Conversation with Ralph Nack, Reporter General, on the Road to Yokohama 2025, hosted by Zafira Hudani, Reporter at Northons’ Media PR & Marketing Ltd, London, UK In The Global IP Matrix Issue 22, Ralph Nack, Reporter General of AIPPI, sits down with Zafira Hudani, Reporter at Northon’s Media PR & Marketing Ltd, to reflect on his 23-year journey with the world’s oldest IP organisation. From its roots in shaping global IP harmonisation to its continued role in driving policy, education, and legal reform, AIPPI remains a cornerstone for IP professionals worldwide. As the 2025 AIPPI World Congress prepares to welcome delegates in Yokohama, Japan, Ralph offers a detailed preview of what’s to come from a strong thematic focus on artificial intelligence to Japan-specific programming and expanded engagement for young practitioners.

A Legacy of Harmonisation

Founded in the late 19th century, AIPPI has played a pivotal role in shaping global intellectual property law. Ralph recounts how the Paris Convention was, in part, authored through the Association’s resolution process. Despite its size, around 9,000 members, even decades ago, the organisation has maintained a commitment to meticulous legal study, international dialogue, and democratic resolution-building.

At the heart of this process is the Reporter General’s team, which synthesises national law studies into draft resolutions voted on at each Congress. These resolutions influence everything from WIPO and WTO policy to national judiciary guidance.

Yokohama 2025: Themes and Highlights

The 2025 World Congress will take place in Yokohama, with programming that reflects Japan’s deep cultural and legal traditions. The event will feature high-ranking speakers from the Japanese judiciary, government ministries, and leading IP firms. Unique lunch sessions will spotlight topics like geographical indications for sake and copyright enforcement in MANGA.

A central focus this year will be Artificial Intelligence, particularly its implications for functionality and enforceability of IP rights. Ralph emphasises AIPPI’s goal: to analyse, debate, and eventually recommend harmonised legal responses to the challenges posed by AI in IP. How AIPPI Educates and Engages

Ralph explains that participants at the Congress come from varied backgrounds, some involved in drafting national reports and others attending for education and networking. Programmes such as the AIPPI Cafes, small, moderated discussions during coffee breaks, and expert panel sessions provide interactive opportunities to engage on niche and emerging topics in IP.

Importantly, AIPPI actively promotes diversity and inclusion across speakers, aiming to move beyond the “usual suspects.” Ralph’s team curates panels with emphasis on professional experience, geographic, and gender diversity, encouraging newer voices and broader representation.

Supporting Young Professionals in IP

AIPPI’s Young Member Initiative fosters leadership among IP practitioners under 35, offering pathways to panel participation, committee roles, and scholarships. Ralph outlines three key ways AIPPI supports young talent:

1. Standing committee roles and designated young member seats

2. National scholarships and local event participation

3. Mid-term meetings and initiatives like “Bureau at the Bar” to meet AIPPI leadership in informal settings
   

Conclusion

With its rich history and forward-looking agenda, AIPPI continues to shape the future of IP law. Ralph Nack’s vision for the 2025 Congress blends deep-rooted tradition with timely innovation from AI and copyright to youth empowerment and international engagement.

Read the full article in The Global IP Matrix Issue 22 for exclusive insights into the structure, purpose, and global impact of AIPPI and its flagship Congress in Yokohama.

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