AI and Intellectual Property seminar (EU-Japan IP Action)
Europa House, large room
Background
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the intellectual property landscape. AI tools increasingly support the protection, administration and enforcement of IP rights, while the growing use of generative AI raises complex questions on the creation and use of content, including copyright, ownership, transparency, licensing and the impact on creators and rightsholders.
The Conference on AI and Intellectual Property held in Tokyo on 27–28 April 2026 mapped the landscape. This seminar provides a narrower, working follow-up, taking account of recent developments: Japan’s AI Principles Code, adopted in August 2026; the transparency obligations under the EU AI Act, applicable from 2 August 2026; emerging case law in the EU; and the adoption of AI tools by the EUIPO and the JPO.
Purpose
The seminar provides a public-facing platform for exchange between EU and Japanese policymakers, IP authorities, industry, creators, legal experts and researchers on the evolving relationship between AI and intellectual property. It combines practical, legal and policy perspectives.
Objectives
- Discuss the impact of AI-generated content on copyright, originality, ownership, transparency, licensing and remuneration, including the effects of content saturation and broader market implications for creators, rightsholders and users
- Highlight the recently published AI Principles Code and its relevance for IP policy
- Explore how AI tools can support the protection, management and enforcement of IP rights
- Identify possible areas for continued EU-Japan cooperation on AI and IP
Agenda
| 09:00-09:10 | Opening and welcome |
| 09:10-10:25 | Panel 1: AI creation and its impact on IP Content saturation, copyright, ownership, transparency, licensing and remuneration |
| 10:25-10:40 | Coffee break |
| 10:40-11:10 | Presentation: Japan's AI Principles Code To maintain dialogue and create awareness among EU industry |
| 11:10-12:10 | Panel 2: AI tools to secure and protect IP Monitoring, detection, search, examination support and anti-piracy; AI tools at IP offices |
| 12:10-12:30 | Closing reflections and next steps Possible areas for continued EU-Japan cooperation on AI and IP |
Target audience
- EU and Japanese public authorities
- Intellectual property offices and copyright authorities
- Rightsholders and collective management organisations
- AI developers and technology companies
- Legal practitioners and IP professionals
- Academics and researchers
- Creators and representative industry associations
- Digital governance and enforcement experts
Expected outcomes
- Raised awareness of the opportunities and risks associated with AI in the field of IP
- Practical exchange between EU and Japanese stakeholders
- Deeper understanding of the legal and economic implications of AI-generated content
- Continued dialogue on transparency and governance issues, including in relation to the AI Principles Code
- Possible follow-up activities under broader EU-Japan cooperation on AI and intellectual property
