INTA 2026

Summary

• Russ Jacobs, Starbucks' IP chief, explains how the coffee chain safeguards its global brand across more than 35,000 stores, highlighting the challenges of managing IP at scale.
• In a video interview, Constantin Eikel discusses trademarks, networking and the INTA 2026 experience, sharing his “word of the week” and recommendations for London.
• Panellists at INTA explore how organisations can bridge generational divides in the workplace, emphasising the value of diverse perspectives as a driver of stronger teams.
• Toni Nijm, chief product officer at Anaqua, discusses why adopting AI is challenging but essential for effectively managing and defending intellectual property.
• John Ward, vice president and associate general counsel of trademarks at Moderna, discusses what it means to build an AI-first legal team, how to adapt legal team culture to maximise AI tools, and his highlights from INTA 2026.
• Kanishka Narayan said IP is “front and centre” of the UK’s economic growth strategy, highlighting record trademark filings and plans to strengthen enforcement, AI integration and IP financing.
• Monica Leenders, Maria-Gemma Huijnen, and Charlotte Champion, discussed the rapid rise of non-traditional trademarks such as multimedia, sound and motion marks, alongside the legal challenges of proving distinctiveness and navigating differing global protection standards, including across sectors like virtual gaming and consumer products.
• Roland Mallinson discusses Taylor Wessing’s upcoming merger with Winston & Strawn, current brand protection challenges, the firm’s approach to AI, and its role at INTA 2026 in London, including hosting a Routemaster bus tour for delegates.
• Trademark filings linked to personal identity are rising as celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Matthew McConaughey turn to legal protection against AI deepfakes, with John Squires highlighting the USPTO’s response to the growth of name, image and likeness branding.
• Marylauren Ilagan, senior counsel and head of IP at Olaplex, reflects on the in-house IP community at INTA 2026 and shares how she builds strong relationships with external law firms, contributing to her inclusion in the Global In-House Elite 2026.
• A panel of IP leaders discussed the persistent gender gap in the industry, sharing experiences and calling for greater representation, cultural awareness and support for women to access leadership roles.
• INTA announced San Diego as the host of its 2027 annual meeting during its London gathering, where more than 10,000 IP professionals also heard speeches from Dame Anya Hindmarch and INTA leaders, including Deborah Hampton, who spoke about inclusivity and her “life-changing” tenure as president.
• Virgin Group’s general counsel Bill Budd describes the challenges of managing a complex global brand spanning more than 40 companies across sectors from travel to spaceflight, balancing flexible licensing with consistent brand protection.
• London hosting INTA is described as a “privilege” by Rob Cumming of Appleyard Lees, who reflects on the event coming to the city and highlights enjoying its atmosphere while in town.
• AI is driving new risks in advertising, from misleading “AI washing” claims to manipulative “dark patterns” in digital design, raising growing legal, regulatory and reputational concerns for brands.
• A 12-year-old inventor from Yokohama has described how she has used AI from an early age to explore ideas, create inventions, and help other children evaluate their own work, highlighting how technology is shaping her understanding of intellectual property and innovation.
• The International Trademark Association’s 148th Annual Meeting has opened in London for the first time, bringing together over 10,000 IP professionals from more than 100 jurisdictions. 
• Ahead of her INTA panel in London, AI expert Tara Harris warns that increasingly convincing deepfakes are escalating risks for brand reputation and IP enforcement. 
• In-house counsel share their favourite London spots, from Marylebone’s village-like charm and Regent’s Park to cultural stops including the Foundling Museum and Wellcome Collection.
• As in-house IP counsel prepare for INTA 2026 in London, Bjorn Norberg, Elisabeth Stewart Bradley and Tara Harris share their top cultural, sporting and leisure recommendations across the city.
• Insights from Elisabeth Stewart Bradley reveal how in-house trademark counsel worldwide are stepping into strategic roles while turning to AI and alternative billing amid tightening budgets.
• The International Trademark Association is set to bring more than 10,000 IP leaders to London this May for its largest-ever Annual Meeting, according to CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo.