Each year, the LIDC examines two topical questions concerning competition law and IP/unfair competition law. The two questions are then the focus of discussions at the annual LIDC Congress with a view to adopting resolutions in the areas concerned.

We shall be holding an evening workshop to seek Members’ contributions and comments on the draft UK reports prepared by our National Rapporteurs. The workshop will be informal, and refreshments will be provided.

This year, the competition law question asks to what extent and in what way the negotiated procedures (leniency, commitments, settlements and, where applicable, consent decrees) have improved the effectiveness of Antitrust Law without unduly conflicting with fundamental principles such as the rights of defence and confidentiality.

The IP question asks to what extent intellectual property law recognises the evolving concept of ‘art,’ including in the context of AI-assisted creation, and how this shapes the limits between the different types of Intellectual Property Rights and their role in enabling innovation, investment and the monetization of creative outputs.

Further background and context on each of the questions, can be viewed here.