AI Law Harmonisation in the Spotlight at AIPPI 2025
In September 2025, the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) will reconvene in Japan, drawing over 2,700 participants to Yokohama from the 13th to the 16th. This event marks the 33rd anniversary of AIPPI’s successful gathering in Tokyo.
AIPPI President Lorenza Ferrari Hofer highlights four key study questions for this year: artificial intelligence and copyright, compulsory licences, exhaustion of trademark rights, and preliminary injunctions as part of damages. AI has emerged as a critical topic globally, particularly in Asia, amid ongoing uncertainties regarding its legal and commercial implications.
Ferrari Hofer emphasizes the need for global harmonised legislation to effectively regulate AI, stating, “Growth depends on legislation that governs AI use and development. AI now drives research and data analysis across industries.”
Recent Developments in AI Regulation
In December 2024, South Korea’s National Assembly passed the Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of Trust, becoming the second country after the EU to implement comprehensive AI regulatory legislation. This Act categorizes AI systems into high-impact and generative AI, opting for a legal framework that does not explicitly prohibit certain AI types, unlike the EU’s approach.
Japan has also taken steps towards regulating AI, enacting the Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and the Utilisation of AI-related Technology in May 2025. This Act lays out basic principles for government research and development of AI while mitigating risks. However, unlike South Korea, Japan’s legislation does not impose penalties for violations; instead, it suggests administrative action for any AI usage that infringes on the rights and interests of others.
Intellectual Property Considerations
From an IP perspective, Ferrari Hofer asserts that legal frameworks should facilitate patent and copyright protections while ensuring human involvement in AI applications. She argues against fearing or banning technology, promoting AIPPI’s initiative to analyze AI-related issues and provide guidance based on legal factors rather than political or economic interests.
Notable Speakers and Cultural Engagement
This year’s AIPPI event features a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
- Japan Supreme Court Justice Mitsuko Miyagawa
- Japan Patent Office Commissioner Yasuyuki Kasai
- Senior Judge Xu Zhuobin from China’s Supreme People’s Court
- Global legal heads from corporations like Panasonic, L’Oreal, and Huawei Technologies
- Private practice representatives such as Felix Einsel and Takanori Abe
While focusing on Japanese culture, including a panel on manga, Ferrari Hofer notes that AIPPI’s strategy from 2024 to 2026 aims to broaden discussions and encourage engagement from all members across regions. Hosting congresses in Asia, such as last year’s in Hangzhou and this year’s in Yokohama, is part of this strategy, along with expanding discussions through digital media.
Diversity and Representation
AIPPI is also working to enhance Asian representation within its internal structure, with new bureau members from India, China, and Australia, ensuring a diverse organizational framework.
In conclusion, the AIPPI 2025 event represents a pivotal moment for discussions on AI law harmonisation, reflecting the global need for cohesive regulatory frameworks that support innovation while safeguarding intellectual property rights.
