The VPP Spring Conference in Wiesbaden become a remarkable event due to celebration of several anniversaries: 70 years of the VPP, 35 years of the VPP/VPP (GDR) Association merger, and the 60 years of the conference itself.
The conference has emerged as a crucial platform for the discussion of key trends and challenges within the realm of intellectual property. The event’s inauguration by the VPP President established a productive atmosphere for the ensuing dialogues. Significant emphasis was placed on the initial landmark rulings of the UPC (Unified Patent Court), a pivotal development in the evolution of the European patent system.
A particularly relevant theme addressed the interplay between environmental claims (green claims) and trademark law, notably the concerns surrounding greenwashing and greenhushing. The address by an esteemed honorary member of the VPP, who has played a vital role in the organization for numerous years, underscored the significance of both seasoned expertise and generational continuity within the professional community.
The formal address by the President of the German Patent and Trademark Office lent considerable weight to the proceedings, providing an outline of governmental policy in this sector. Practical dimensions of patent law were examined through the lens of the contemporary decision-making practices of the German Federal Patent Court.
The conference also addressed the critical matter of funding for research and development endeavors, with discussions encompassing potential pitfalls and intellectual property prerequisites associated with securing public financial support; the efficient transfer of technology between academic institutions and universities highlighted the imperative of collaboration in fostering innovation.
Global perspectives on intellectual property were introduced through a debate on the advisability of obtaining IP rights in Africa, alongside an analysis of the peculiarities of patent term adjustment and patent term extension in Asia. The conference concluded with a comparative examination of national patent invalidation procedures and their counterparts within the UPC framework.
The VPP conference served as a vital forum for the exchange of knowledge, the deliberation of pressing issues, and the identification of future trajectories for the intellectual property field. The extensive array of topics covered underscores the dynamic nature of this industry and the ongoing necessity for continuous professional advancement.
At the evening a guided city tour offered insights into Wiesbaden and its history, passing by landmarks such as the Museum Wiesbaden (founded with contributions from the city’s residents and Johann Wolfgang Goethe), the newly opened Museum Reinhardt Ernst (designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki), and the Hessian State Theatre (initiated by Kaiser Wilhelm II.). The tour culminated at the Kurhaus Wiesbaden, a magnificent Neoclassical building designed by Friedrich von Thiersch, where a reception for the evening event followed by a festive dinner was held.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the VPP administration for their meticulous organization and to our esteemed friends and colleagues for the stimulating and productive meetings and discussions we shared during the event and look forward to our meeting in autumn.
