ExCo News: FICPI's governing body in action

The Executive Committee, or “ExCo", is where FICPI's member Associations and Sections come together to make the decisions that guide the Federation. Delegates gather to consider FICPI's direction, review the work of its committees and officers, and take decisions on policy, governance and membership that shape the Federation's future. As FICPI's principal decision-making body, the ExCo plays a central role in developing the policies and positions that support IP attorneys in private practice around the world.

A lighter footprint, a steadier rhythm

For many years, the ExCo met in person twice a year. That has evolved over time, reducing travel requirements and environmental impact. Today, a full-length ExCo meeting is held in each of the two years between World Congresses, with a shorter ExCo meeting held alongside the Congress itself. Online meetings are also held when needed. The most recent standalone ExCo meeting took place in Istanbul, Türkiye, in April 2026.

ExCo News has had its own rhythm. Produced for many years, it was later discontinued before being revived for the London ExCo in 2022. Since then, it has continued as a way of reporting back to members on the work, discussions and decisions of the Executive Committee.

What came out of Istanbul

This edition covers the Istanbul meeting and the wide range of issues considered by delegates.

The ExCo adopted two new FICPI Resolutions: one on the future development of the Nice Classification and another calling for greater consistency and certainty in the treatment of functional patent claims. It also considered and adopted a number of position papers prepared by the Study and Work Committee (“CET"), covering subjects including English as a procedural language, deferred examination, and claim amendments during court proceedings.

The workshop programme remains one of the most valued elements of every ExCo meeting, providing an opportunity for delegates from different jurisdictions to share practical experience and contribute directly to the development of FICPI policy. In Istanbul, six workshops examined functional claiming in patents, codes of conduct for IP attorneys, the scope of design protection, trade mark renewals, substantive patent law harmonisation, and updates to the operating rules of the CET and Practice Management Committee.

Taken together, the resolutions, position papers and workshops reflect the breadth of issues on which FICPI members collaborate and share expertise. We hope you enjoy this edition of ExCo News and that it provides a useful insight into the work being carried out on behalf of IP attorneys in private practice around the world.

Our thanks to all who contributed to this issue!
Special thanks to Matthew Fletcher, CET Assistant Reporter General and Partner at Abel + Imray, and to our Editor, Catherine Dhanjal.