2026 sees the Hungarian IP Office (HIPO) celebrate 130 years and FICPI hold its 23rd Open Forum in Budapest.
To celebrate, we were delighted to interview Zsolt Szentpéteri, a Hungarian patent attorney with SBGK Patent Attorneys and FICPI member with many years of experience in intellectual property law.
He shares insights into the IP profession in Hungary, major changes to IP law in the country, closer harmonisation with European legislation, and how the Unified Patent Court system is influencing strategic IP decisions.
Hungarian practitioners are naturally very internationally oriented
The Hungarian IP profession is technically strong, internationally focused and closely connected to the wider European IP community.
Outstanding researchers, engineers and technology companies are fostered, helping to make Central and Eastern Europe an increasingly dynamic innovation region.
“As Hungary is a member of the European Union, the European Patent Organisation and the major WIPO treaties, much of our work involves international portfolios and close cooperation with foreign associates,” highlights Zsolt.
He believes organisations like FICPI are now more valuable than ever, bringing together practitioners from different legal systems, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience, and helping to ensure that intellectual property continues to support innovation, investment and economic growth.
A regulated profession
Hungary's IP attorney profession is relatively small but highly specialised. Most patent attorneys work in dedicated IP firms or in law firms with IP departments, with a smaller number in industry, universities or research institutions.
The Hungarian Chamber of Patent Attorneys is responsible for professional standards, ethics and continuing education. Only HCPA members may practise as patent attorneys in Hungary.
“Although we are termed patent attorneys, most of us also handle trade marks and designs. Where court representation is needed, we usually work in tandem with attorneys-at-law,” he adds.
The route into the Hungarian IP profession requires considerable academic and professional effort: attaining a technical or scientific degree, followed by specialised legal and professional training and a qualifying examination. CPD is an important requirement throughout a Hungarian practitioner's career.
European and international work is increasingly important
Hungarian IP law is now largely harmonised with European legislation, while local experience still matters. The country continues to offer a reliable and efficient national filing route, particularly for applicants seeking protection in Central Europe.
“The Hungarian Intellectual Property Office has an excellent professional reputation and is known for the high quality of its examination,” Zsolt remarks.
As in most jurisdictions, successful enforcement also depends on understanding local procedural rules, evidential requirements and judicial practice. Having local expertise can make a real difference in contentious matters.
“While prosecution before the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office remains a core part of our work, today's patent attorneys are also involved in European and international prosecution, IP strategy, technology transfer, licensing, enforcement and portfolio management. Digitalisation and the harmonisation of legislation have transformed the way we work,” Zsolt explains.
Zsolt’s own work is mainly focused on patents, although he also advises on trade marks, designs, licensing, IP strategy and, from time to time, contentious matters. He generally works with innovative companies and international clients looking to protect their inventions and other IP rights in Hungary and across Central Europe.
Celebrating 130 years
The development of Hungarian IP law reflects both technological progress and Hungary's growing integration into the European and international legal framework. The establishment of the Royal Hungarian Patent Office in 1896 laid the foundations for modern industrial IP protection in Hungary.
During the 20th century, Hungarian IP law gradually evolved from a largely national system into one closely aligned with international conventions.
Perhaps the biggest changes came in the 1990s as part of the transition to a Western-style market economy, and with Hungary's 2004 accession to the European Union. Hungarian legislation was extensively modernised and harmonised with EU law, while joining the European Patent Convention fundamentally changed patent practice. More recently, electronic filing, digitalisation and closer international cooperation have made the system more efficient and user-friendly.
HIPO's anniversary celebrations in March 2026 brought together HIPO President Szabolcs Farkas with representatives from IP Offices and organisations from around the world, including WIPO Director General Daren Tang and EPO President António Campinos.
Continuing development – AI and UPC
Hungarian IP practice continues to evolve.
Zsolt explains, “We are increasingly dealing with questions around artificial intelligence, software-related inventions, data-driven innovation and the interaction between national and European IP systems.”
Although Hungary is yet to join the Unified Patent Court system, the UPC is already influencing strategic decisions for both Hungarian and international clients. Clients increasingly seek coordinated advice that considers both national and European enforcement options. At the same time, further digitalisation of administrative procedures and improvements in electronic communication with the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office have made everyday practice faster and more efficient.
Contributing to the IP profession worldwide
“Alongside my day-to-day practice, I've always believed it's important to contribute to the profession itself. I'm currently serving my second term on the Presidium of the European Patent Institute (epi), and I am also an epi Council Member. These roles give me the opportunity to help shape discussions about the future of the European patent profession and the European patent system,” Zsolt adds.
“One of FICPI's greatest strengths is the opportunity it brings to exchange practical experience with colleagues worldwide, to exchange ideas, discuss new legal developments and emerging technologies, and build long-lasting professional relationships.
“As our clients' businesses become increasingly international, organisations like FICPI play an ever more important role in promoting high professional standards and encouraging cooperation across jurisdictions.”
He concludes, “I believe there is strong potential to build a greater FICPI presence in Hungary, particularly as younger practitioners increasingly recognise the value of international networking, professional education and exchanging practical experience with colleagues from other jurisdictions.”
FICPI’s view
In May 2026, FICPI President Elia Sugrañes and Treasurer General and Membership Committee President Uwe R. Borchert attended the 2026 Intellectual Property Conference of the Hungarian Association for the Protection of Industrial Property and Copyright (MIE) in Balatonalmádi. The event provided a platform for international dialogue on shared challenges within the intellectual property community.
FICPI's presence at the conference underscored its commitment to supporting independent IP attorneys worldwide and fostering cooperation among national and international professional associations.
Next steps
- Join us at the FICPI Open Forum in Budapest, Hungary (16-19 September), find out more at: https://ficpi.org/ficpi2026
- Apply to join FICPI at: https://ficpi.org/join-ficpi