As European courts see increased trade secret enforcement activity, particularly in industries like semiconductors, AI, and automotive, the strategic interplay between patent and trade secret protection is evolving. This session will explore the practical and legal considerations that drive trade secret litigation, and how these disputes intersect with patent strategies, particularly in cross-border contexts. Panellists will discuss how European companies are learning from U.S. trade secret practice and how this is shaping enforcement choices, litigation posture, and IP portfolio structuring.

• Examine key differences in procedural tools and evidentiary requirements for trade secret litigation across Europe and the U.S.

• Explore how businesses decide between trade secret protection and patenting in fast-moving sectors like AI, mobility and software.

• Discuss coordination of parallel patent and trade secret disputes, including cross-border enforcement challenges and forum selection strategies.

Patent quality remains a critical concern for technology and innovation-driven industries such as IoT, automotive, telecommunications, and medical devices. This session will examine how differing definitions and expectations of quality are shaping global enforcement strategies and IP value. Panellists will explore the role of major patent offices and courts – including the EPO, UPC and PTAB – and discuss how perceptions of patent strength affect licensing leverage, competitive positioning and dispute outcomes across jurisdictions. Expect a comparative and commercially grounded discussion on how businesses are adapting their portfolios and legal strategies in response.

• Compare approaches to patent quality and examination at the EPO, USPTO and other key offices.

• Discuss the relationship between patent quality and litigation outcomes in major venues including the UPC and PTAB.

• Explore how companies in tech and innovation sectors are shaping their portfolios to maximise commercial and legal advantage.

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The Long Arm Reach of the UPC

Navigating AI in U.S. IP Litigation

Interim Relief and Damages within Indian Patent Litigation

Turning Litigation into Leverage in SEP Disputes

The Power of German National Courts in Light of the UPC

Saisie Contrefaçon- a New Tool in the UPC Armoury