Working Programme
FICPI's 23rd Open Forum is an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and create new ones, driven by FICPI's focus on bringing independent IP attorneys from around the globe together to connect, share knowledge and grow.
Plenary Sessions, led by experts in their fields, promise to enhance professional excellence and to share insights and viewpoints to improve leadership skills, profitability and professional practice.
FICPI's popular "three-stream" sessions will feature pre-eminent experts in the IP field, including xx and xx.
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Thursday 17 September 2026
| Time | Stream // Session Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00-09:10 | Welcome Address | |
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09:10-10:30 |
Plenary // The multigeneration workplace – introducing eight stereotypes |
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11:00-12:30 |
Plenary // Compliance requirements for IP firms |
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14:00-15:30 |
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16:00-17:30 |
IP Practice Management // Beyond business cards: are you networking with purpose? Patents // Catch Me If Your Court Can: the Long Arm of Patent Law Trade Marks & Designs // The "Power Couple" Strategy: Building iconic brand partnerships and navigating the legal architecture of Co-Branding |
Friday 18 September 2026
| Time | Stream // Session Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00-10:30 |
Plenary // AI in IP: The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth |
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11:00-12:30 |
IP Practice Management // Clocking up billable hours at any cost: when sleepless nights start working against you Patents // Green Innovation Trade Marks & Designs // Developments and case-law updates from the EUIPO BoA and the Hungarian IPO |
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14:00-15:30 |
IP Practice Management // Work smart, live and lead better: time strategies for modern professionals Patents // Patent update from around the world to be presented by young members from a number of key jurisdictions Trade Marks & Designs // The Dual Shield: Navigating the overlap of copyright and design law and maximizing protection at the intersection of IP Rights |
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16:00-17:30 |
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Programme Manager
Michael Caine (AU)
FICPI // Vice President
Davies Collison Cave
"I am delighted that as well as being Vice President of FICPI, this year I have the pleasure of again taking the lead in organising the working programme for the FICPI 23rdd Open Forum for 2026, running from 15-18 September in Budapest."
Michael became the Vice President of FICPI in 2022 after four years as Vice President of FICPI’s Study & Work Committee (CET). Prior to that he spent six years as the chair of the International Patents Group of the CET. He is also a Past President of the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA). During his 22 years as a member of IPTA council he served a number of roles including President from 2019 to 2021, Vice President from 2015 to 2019, convenor of the International Patents Committee from 2001 to 2009 and convenor of the Patents Legislation Committee from 2009 to 2019. He is currently a member of IPTA’s President’s Advisory Committee.
Michael is a patent attorney and principal of Davies Collison Cave in Melbourne, Australia, where he heads up the firm’s organic chemistry/pharmaceutical group. Michael’s professional activities include providing patent infringement and validity advice, conducting patent oppositions, filing and prosecuting pharmaceutical patent term extensions, and providing litigation support and strategic patenting advice.