Going Beyond Trademarks in the Heart of Europe - International Trademark Association

In a recent interview with the INTA Bulletin, 2025 Trademark Administrators and Practitioners (TMAP) Co-Chair Bahia Alyfai (Alyafi IP Group, Middle East) shared the vision behind the TMAP Meeting “to bring everyone together to discuss key issues and trends in IP and how to navigate the political, cultural, and economic climate together so that we can deal with these changes effectively.”

This vision is reflected in a carefully curated slate of educational sessions and Business Development offerings designed to equip registrants with the practical tools and global perspective needed to lead their organizations through current and future challenges.

Covering the Latest in TMA Law and Practice

Registrants will benefit from high-level sessions on mastering global trademark management amid political and economic uncertainty.

In the session, Expert Insights from IP Offices in Europe, Board of Appeal members from the European Union Intellectual Property Office and other EU intellectual property (IP) offices will discuss absolute and relative grounds for refusal, their impact on trademark applicants, and the latest enforcement trends.

Mastering Trademark Formalities—Navigating Global Prosecution will dive into the key challenges of international trademark prosecution, from navigating diverse legal systems to dealing with shifting borders, covering the essential documentary requirements for successful filings as well as insider tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Other sessions that will delve into aspects of law and practice:

AI in the EU—Navigating IP Opportunities and Challenges; and
Co-Branding, Licensing, and Influencer Partnerships—Legal and Strategic Considerations.

Bad Faith in Trademark Filings—Insights from SkyKick v. Sky will focus on the key takeaways from this landmark case (decided by the UK Supreme Court in November of 2024), providing an important in-depth analysis of how to determine whether a trademark is filed in good faith, the risks associated with overly broad or defensive filings, and the legality of refiling marks to maintain rights.

Looking Beyond Trademarks

In addition to covering the latest developments in trademark law, the Meeting’s educational program will delve into the range of IP rights that brand owners are increasingly leveraging to protect their assets today, including designs and geographical indications (GIs).

The session From Bordeaux and Murano Glass to Peatland Restoration—Geographical Indications, Traditional Knowledge, and Collective Trademarks Unpacked will examine the fundamentals of GIs, collective trademarks, and traditional knowledge; explore recent regulatory developments impacting global markets; and address key business considerations in navigating GI protection and enforcement challenges.

In a session that aligns with the Association’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan direction, “Be a Responsible Corporate Citizen Within the IP Community,” Say It Right—Turning Green Claims into Brand Strength and Integrity, will explore the EU Green Claims Directive, compliance risks, and insights from the 2024 Presidential Task Force report. Registrants will learn how to maintain brand integrity while avoiding greenwashing accusations, managing cross-jurisdictional compliance, and substantiating environmental claims in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

The New EU Design Directive—Protecting 3D Creations session will shed light on the EU’s new design directive and regulation, focusing on how design, trademark, and copyright protection impact brand protection strategies. This is one of several sessions that will leverage the Meeting’s location in Europe. The EU’s pivotal role in shaping global IP trends makes it the perfect backdrop for navigating pressing topics that impact practitioners worldwide.

Enhancing Professional Development and Career Advancement

Registrants will also have multiple opportunities to learn more about professional development and career advancement at TMAP. In Global Presence, Meaningful Connections—Networking and Branding Across Borders, panelists will share their perspective on how to build an intentional and authentic professional presence that transcends borders—both online and offline. This session will cover strategies for effective cross-cultural communication, how to network with purpose across time zones and cultures, and how to use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your global brand and build lasting international connections.

Session Highlight—Empowering Leadership: Elevating Your Experiences Through Authenticity

Join us for an engaging fireside chat on leadership in today’s business world. INTA President-Elect Deborah Hampton (The Chemours Company, USA) will share her journey to becoming a Trademark Administrator and an officer of the INTA Board of Directors. With a career shaped by resilience, reinvention, and navigating uncertainty, Ms. Hampton offers real-world insight into what it takes to lead with authenticity through turbulent times. She has built a reputation for mentoring across generations and helping others cultivate personal brands rooted in authenticity. This conversation will explore how to foster belonging, advocate for yourself with confidence, and transform both successes and setbacks into momentum. Whether you’re facing change, challenge, or growth, this fireside chat will offer valuable guidance on how to lead with clarity, purpose, and authentic strength.

The Leadership Development Committee will present Navigating Leadership in New TMA Fields: Opportunities and Challenges in Cultural Contexts. This session will explore how TMAs can lead in their daily work, from managing global portfolios to fostering strong professional relationships.

Finally, a throughline in the educational program will be the Updates from Europe, with various sessions (noted above) designed to provide all registrants—including those based in Europe and traveling from abroad—with critical updates on European and EU case law and legislative developments.

Business Development in Berlin

The 2025 TMAP Meeting also offers a curated selection of Business Development (BD) activities that highlight Berlin’s rich history and dynamic networking culture. According to TMAP Co-Chair Conny Schmitt (Grünecker Patent Attorneys & Attorneys-at-law, Germany), “there is no other city in Germany today that is as open and diverse and global as Berlin.”

Registrants will have the opportunity to discover Berlin’s unique culture during a variety of tours focused on history, cuisine, and of course, beer! At Serve the City: Soup Kitchen Volunteer Experience, registrants can connect through a meaningful volunteer experience and gain a deeper understanding of the local community. Each day of the Meeting will also include networking breaks and receptions. Lunch and Learn Circles will provide registrants with unique opportunities to meet colleagues from around the world in small group settings during lunch to discuss the latest trending topics in law, practice, and professional development.

“One of the benefits of the TMAP Meeting is that it’s rather easy to navigate, so it’s easy to make use of all the opportunities that are offered to you,” says Ms. Schmitt. All registrants will have meaningful opportunities to expand their international network, connect with top professionals from across the EU and beyond, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving global IP landscape. Other BD activities include walking tours, culinary tours, cooking classes, and … beer tasting!

Learn more and register for TMAP.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

Topics Trademark Administrators