The IP Federation was pleased to convene senior leaders from public institutions, international organisations and industry at its Global Leaders’ Dialogue on Intellectual Property, held on 6 May during the week of the INTA Annual Meeting 2026 in London.
Chaired by IP Federation President Sarah Vaughan, the panel brought together Daren Tang, Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization; Adam Williams, Chief Executive and Comptroller General of the UK Intellectual Property Office; and Etienne Sanz de Acedo, Chief Executive Officer of the International Trademark Association.
The event explored what constitutes a “high-quality IP framework” and why this should remain a priority for governments and policymakers globally. Discussion focused on the critical role that such frameworks play in supporting innovation, investment and long-term economic growth. Panellists explored how robust and predictable IP systems underpin business confidence, facilitate technology transfer and collaboration, and enable companies of all sizes to compete in global markets.
Key themes emerging from the panel discussion included the importance of improving public understanding of intellectual property and ensuring that IP frameworks are recognised as supporting innovation, investment and economic opportunity across the wider economy. Speakers highlighted the need to communicate more effectively the real-world stories behind innovation and the societal benefits that strong IP systems can deliver.
Panellists also discussed the importance of ensuring that IP systems are inclusive and accessible, including improving support for SMEs, entrepreneurs and creators, and encouraging broader participation across the innovation ecosystem. The discussion emphasised that effective IP frameworks should combine clarity, balance and strong legal protections with accessibility and practical usability for organisations of all sizes.
Another recurring theme was the importance of education and international collaboration. Panellists noted that intellectual property should play a more prominent role within business, legal, scientific and engineering education, helping future innovators, business leaders and policymakers better understand the role IP plays in supporting investment, creativity and technological progress. International cooperation and dialogue were also identified as essential to ensuring that IP systems remain effective and responsive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The discussion also addressed increasing international debate around intellectual property policy, including criticism of IP protections in certain policy areas. Panellists recognised the importance of ensuring that governments and stakeholders fully consider the long-term economic and innovation impacts of IP-related decisions, particularly in relation to emerging technologies, sustainability and global challenges such as climate change.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the need to maintain balanced, high-quality IP systems that incentivise innovation while supporting collaboration, economic resilience and consumer confidence. Panellists also reflected on the importance of international engagement and policy coherence at a time when many businesses operate globally, while IP systems remain primarily national in nature.
The IP Federation is grateful to all speakers and attendees for contributing to a timely and insightful discussion. As global economic and technological challenges continue to evolve, the Federation remains committed to supporting policies that ensure the UK and the international community benefit from a strong, balanced and effective intellectual property framework.
Although Kanishka Narayan MP was unable to attend the event, the IP Federation was pleased to hear the Minister refer in his keynote speech at the previous day’s INTA Annual Meeting 2026 to the report Why patents are essential for innovation and growth, produced by the International Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and the IP Federation. The report highlights the story of Dr Asel Sartbaeva and Dr Dan Wells, whose pioneering work on encasing vaccines in a silica shell protects them from thermal damage and has the potential to eliminate the need for refrigeration. The innovation could significantly reduce vaccine spoilage, lower costs and improve access to life-saving medicines, particularly in hotter climates. Through an intellectual property strategy incorporating patents and trade marks, they have secured millions in seed funding, received recognition through the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, and are progressing towards commercialising a British innovation with global potential.
