International

WIPO PCT Filings Increased 0.7% to 275,900 in 2025

WIPO reported that international patent filings through the PCT system increased by 0.7% to 275,900 in 2025. China remained the leading origin of filings, with Huawei Technologies being the top applicant for the ninth consecutive year. Information and communications technologies dominated activity.

OECD Advances AI Transparency and Governance at India Summit

The OECD is participating in India's AI Impact Summit 2026 to advance AI transparency, open-source initiatives, and governance. The engagement focuses on translating OECD AI Principles and frameworks into practical tools for policymakers, particularly concerning the operationalization of advanced AI systems and common reporting practices.

Agentic AI Explained and Governance Guidance

The OECD has published a report clarifying the definitions and distinctions between AI agents and agentic AI, based on the OECD AI system definition. This guidance aims to establish more precise terminology for effective governance of increasingly autonomous AI systems.

OECD Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses

The OECD has launched new Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible AI, providing businesses with a government-backed tool to ensure their AI systems are trustworthy. The guidance addresses risks throughout the AI value chain, including data privacy, environmental impact, and ethical considerations for workers.

Basel Committee Operational Risk and Market Risk Amendments

The Basel Committee has finalised a technical amendment to the standardised approach for operational risk, published for consultation in June 2025. It also includes a response to a frequently asked question on the standardised approach to market risk. Basel Committee members are expected to implement the amendment within three years.

BIS Statement on Hyun Song Shin Nomination

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) issued a statement regarding the nomination of Hyun Song Shin as Governor of the Bank of Korea. Mr. Shin will step down from his BIS duties immediately, with Frank Smets serving as Acting Head of the Monetary and Economic Department. This follows a previous announcement of Mr. Shin's retirement from the BIS at the end of August 2026.

Madrid System Webinars: Legal Updates and Filing Strategies

WIPO is offering a series of webinars in February and March 2026 covering legal updates and practical tips for the Madrid System for international trademark protection. The webinars will address recent changes, new member states, and future developments, as well as strategies for using the eMadrid filing system.

Webinar Series: SMEs Protecting Brands Internationally

WIPO and the European Commission's International IP SME Helpdesks have launched a new webinar series to assist Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in protecting their trademarks and designs internationally. The first webinar, scheduled for March 26, 2026, will focus on protecting trademarks in China and the ASEAN region.

Madrid System 2025: eMadrid Launch and Trademark Application Processing

WIPO's Madrid System has reviewed its transformative 2025, highlighting the launch of the integrated eMadrid platform for trademark management and the processing of approximately 58,000 international trademark applications. Key enhancements include stronger security measures via mandatory email verification and expanded e-filing services.

Thirteenth Edition of the Nice Classification Effective January 1, 2026

WIPO has announced that the Thirteenth Edition of the Nice Classification will take effect on January 1, 2026. This international classification of goods and services is used for trademark registration. The changes will affect how certain goods and services are classified, impacting new international trademark applications filed on or after the effective date.