A look at the preparation for the 2023 AIPPI World Congress in Istanbul

Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends,

The countdown has begun for the AIPPI World Congress, eagerly awaited for years, to be held in Istanbul between 22-25 October and we continue to prepare at full speed to host the Intellectual Property community from all over the world during these days!

As the preparation marathon for the 2023, the Congress in Istanbul continues at full speed in both the AIPPI General Secretariat and our National group, we are thrilled and motivated to see that not only us, but the entire Intellectual Property community is eagerly awaiting this congress. Meanwhile, the Congress continues to receive a high number of registrations.

In this opening article of the issue, we would like to briefly inform you about the latest stage of the Congress preparations and the content of the programme.

The 2023 AIPPI World Congress will take place at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center. The topics that we will be working on this year in order to create our guidelines that will represent the official view of our association are as follows; “Doctrine of Equivalents” (Patents), “Proving Trade Mark Use” (Trademarks), “Collecting Societies” (Copyright), and “Responsibility of Online Marketplaces for Online Infringement” (General). In addition to the work to be done to create the guidelines, the academic programme will include more than 20 panels, themed lunches (“IP Lunches”), “AIPPI Cafe” events and a mock trial on the UPC, which were selected by considering the hot developments and controversial issues in the IP field. Besides, the 2024 annual questionnaires will be introduced, reports will be presented by the working committees within the ExCo’s and decisions will be made through votes on matters related to the administration of the Association.

Apart from the academic programme, of course, an extremely rich programme awaits the participants in terms of social activities. The first social event of the Congress, the Presidents’ Dinner (“Council of Presidents’ Dinner“), with national group presidents from 64 countries will be hosted at Çırağan Palace, the only current palace belonging to the Ottoman Empire, with its unique location over the Bosphorus and history dating back to the 17th century.

The official opening of the Congress will take place with the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception at the Hilton Bomonti Hotel. In addition to the opening speeches, the opening night will also include shows and music concerts to promote Turkish culture.

The Cultural Evening of the World Congresses, which is eagerly awaited every year, will take place in Binbirdirek Cistern. The history of Binbirdirek Cistern or formerly “Filoksenos Cistern“, which has the second largest water reservoir in Istanbul after the Basilica Cistern and has cultural and artistic importance, dates back to the 4th century. We believe that with its unique architecture, rich historical background and magical atmosphere, the participants will have an unforgettable Turkish night.

The “Women in AIPPI” event, bringing together female IP professionals, will take place on a boat on the magical and unique Bosphorus this year. Female professionals will have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Istanbul from the sea. Within the scope of the event, a belly dance course for women will be given.

The event, called the “Young AIPPI Forum” and addressed to the young members of our Association, will take place in Babylon, the iconic venue that was once a “brewery” and is often considered one of the best music venues in Istanbul by both domestic and foreign sources.

The “Closing Dinner” at Hilton Bomonti Hotel will offer participants the splendor and richness of Ottoman culture in a magical Ottoman atmosphere. The party for the Ottoman-themed closing dinner will be moved to Babylon where the social events of the congress will come to an end.

Undoubtedly, the Congress in Istanbul will witness very significant developments in terms of the visibility and representation ability of our Turkish group on the international platform and we are more than happy and very excited to host all our IP colleagues and friends from all over the world.

So, let’s meet where the continents meet, and make the 2023 AIPPI World Congress an unforgettable event with your presence. Looking forward to welcoming you.

Esra Dündar Loiseau

Chair of the Congress Advisory Committee