Reporting from the 15th edition of the international IP Week Singapore event, Uwe Borchert, FICPI Treasurer General and President of the Membership Commission, represented FICPI in Singapore on 26 and 27 August. The event brought together 1,500 participants from more than 50 countries to discuss the changing role of intellectual property in an innovation-driven global economy.
Under the theme “The Rise of AI: Is It IP as Usual?”, the programme examined how artificial intelligence is transforming innovation, business strategy and the legal frameworks governing intellectual property. Welcome remarks were delivered by IPOS Chairman Nicky Tan, followed by an opening address from Singapore’s Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Edwin Tong SC. WIPO Director General Daren Tang provided the keynote remarks.
The two-day programme explored some of the most pressing issues facing IP professionals, businesses and policymakers. Sessions considered how governments can support growth amid protectionism, shifting supply chains and rapid technological change. A fireside chat with Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google and Alphabet, addressed AI’s potential to accelerate scientific and creative breakthroughs while testing established concepts of authorship, inventorship and protection.
Other discussions focused on the commercial value of intellectual property and intangible assets. Speakers examined the funding gap affecting IP-rich businesses, the need for trusted valuation standards and the importance of integrating IP into corporate growth strategies. Legal-track sessions addressed judicial responses to AI-generated content and AI-assisted inventions, data as a commercial asset, and practical approaches to cross-border IP disputes and alternative dispute resolution.
Strengthening international relationships
For Uwe, IP Week also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen FICPI’s international relationships. In particular, he connected with representatives of Cambodian ministries and IP authorities to begin preparations for a possible future FICPI Symposium or Seminar in Cambodia as Cambodia is an extension state of the European Patent Office. These discussions support FICPI’s objective of promoting professional exchange and deepening engagement with IP communities across the region.
The event coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). During its anniversary year, IPOS is launching the second phase of the Singapore IP Strategy 2030. Its priorities include helping enterprises unlock greater value from IP and intangible assets, strengthening Singapore’s trusted IP regime and developing the next generation of IP management expertise.
IP Week 2026 demonstrated that AI is not simply another technology to be accommodated within existing IP systems. It is prompting fundamental questions about how innovation should be protected, valued, financed and governed. FICPI’s participation ensured that the perspective of independent IP attorneys remained part of this important global conversation.
FICPI's view
FICPI’s involvement at IP Week 2026 reinforced its role in the international IP community. FICPI continues to champion the interests of independent IP attorneys and promote a strong, effective, and innovation-friendly intellectual property framework worldwide.
