FICPI is administered by the Executive Committee (EXCO) which is composed of delegates of the national IP associations and national sections that are members of FICPI. Each association and section sends one delegate and one substitute delegate to meetings of the EXCO and has one vote, regardless of the size of the association or section. The EXCO meets at least once a year and transacts the business of the federation.
EXCO meetings are held at different locations around the world at the invitation of the local IP association or national section. Recent EXCO meetings have been held in Argentina, Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and the USA, indicating the global character of FICPI.
The EXCO reviews and approves the activities of the Bureau since the last EXCO meeting and hears reports from the national sections and associations, from the Advisory Council and from the commissions. Once a year, the EXCO approves the budget and accounts of FICPI and sets the membership fees for the coming year. WIPO and FICPI’s sister organisations are invited to report on their latest activities so that FICPI’s members are kept up to date.
The EXCO reviews and approves recommendations for new members by the Admission Commission, including applications for admission by new sections and associations, and by certain national sections that have been given the power to recommend new members directly to the EXCO.
Issues of importance to the IP profession in private practice are debated by the EXCO to decide FICPI policy, which is expressed in the form of position papers and resolutions. Copies of all FICPI papers and resolutions are available in the Library section of this website. During the EXCO meeting, smaller break-out workshops are held.