EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão to keynote our Spring Conference
We're delighted to announce that João Negrão, Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), will deliver the keynote address at our Spring Conference 2026.
João brings exceptional insight to our Spring Conference theme, "Strong foundations, bold futures". As Executive Director since October 2023, he leads one of Europe's most influential IP institutions.
His career spans nearly two decades at the EUIPO, where he has held several senior positions. Between 2011 and 2020, João directed the International Cooperation and Legal Affairs Department, shaping crucial relationships between the EUIPO and IP offices worldwide. More recently, from 2021 to 2023, he served as President of the EUIPO Boards of Appeal.
Before joining the EUIPO in 2010 as Head of the Executive Director's Cabinet, João held key roles in Portuguese public administration. He worked across the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and the Ministry of Justice. Notably, at Portugal's National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), he progressed from the international relations cabinet in 2001 to become Director of International Relations and Promotion of Innovation by 2008.
Our Spring Conference 2026 takes place on 19th March at The Minster Building in the City of London. Our intensive one-day programme features Supreme Court analysis, AI insights, landmark case discussions and practical strategies for workplace wellbeing. The evening before, join us for our 2026 Spring Party at Sea Containers on London's South Bank.
This year, we're helping you develop the critical skills you need for continued success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from João Negrão and other leading figures in our profession.
Click here for full programme details and booking information