Thursday Thingies

For those who wish to ease gently into February while staying on top of IP news and events, here are the latest catches from The IPKat! 

Flapjack, the Kat, trying to
stay on top of things...

News

Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Interchange (AIII)

‘A-triple-I’ is a WIPO initiative facilitating global dialogue on the technical and operational aspects of the IP system in the context of AI. Leading up to the launch of this initiative on 17 March 2026, WIPO is releasing a series of video podcasts that take a closer look at IP infrastructure — what it is, how it works, and how it is impacted by AI. And the final instalment of ‘The Road to AIII’ webinar will take place on 19 February 2026. More information and registration for the webinar here.

Opportunities

IViR Foundation Support for Visiting Scholars with Limited Financial Resources

The Institute for Information Law (IViR) grants one scholarship per year, funded by the IViR Foundation, to a selected scholar from one of OECD-designated Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle and Upper Middle Income Countries to visit the Institute. Applications must be submitted by 1 October. Further information, eligibility criteria, and the application procedure here.

Events

Project Launch: Catalyzing AI’s Potential in Africa Through Intellectual Property Innovation

Data Science Law Lab at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in collaboration with researchers from the Open African Innovation Research (Open AIR) network, is hosting the formal launch of its project titled: “Catalyzing AI’s Potential in Africa Through Intellectual Property Innovation”. The Project seeks to place IP law and policy nearer to the centre of inclusive and responsible AI governance across the African continent. The hybrid event will take place on 25 February 2026, from 8.30am to 11.00am (SAST), followed by the Associated Projects showcase. There will also be an afternoon session co-organised with Creative Commons on Open licensing and African AI Context. More details, registration link, and programme here.

CREATe Spring School 2026: Remaking Creativity – deadline extended!

The third edition of the CREATe Spring School will take place between 29 April and 2 May 2026, at the University of Glasgow. The Spring School will address the topic of “Remaking Creativity”, enquiring about the interplay between human creation and technology, and bringing together perspectives of copyright, competition and tech regulation scholars. The Spring School is addressed at doctoral and advanced master students, early career researchers, industry representatives and policy makers with a focus on cultural and creative industries. Those interested should apply by 9 February 2026. Further information and application here.

Image credit: Niamh Gilert