Hosting, Learning and Connecting: My First AIPPI Experience in the Dominican Republic

When I learned that Santo Domingo would host the 4th AIPPI Central America & Caribbean Regional Group Congress, together with the first AIPPI Reach Out Series ever held in our region, I knew it would be a unique opportunity. Although I had long been familiar with AIPPI’s reputation within the intellectual property community, this would be my first opportunity to attend one of its events. I was excited not only to participate as an attendee but also to welcome colleagues from around the world to my home country.

More than 110 intellectual property professionals gathered in Santo Domingo for two days of discussions, learning and networking. The programme covered an impressive range of current topics, including compulsory licensing, online infringement, platform liability, well-known trademarks, artificial intelligence and intellectual property, and a second day dedicated entirely to Intellectual Property and Sports, addressing issues such as broadcasting rights, patents in sports innovation, trademarks, image rights and licensing.

As a first-time attendee, what impressed me most was the academic quality of the programme. The discussions were not merely theoretical; they reflected real challenges faced by practitioners across different jurisdictions. Listening to experts exchange perspectives and seeing how AIPPI’s work contributes to international dialogue gave me a better understanding of the important role the Association plays in the development and harmonisation of intellectual property law.

At the same time, experiencing the Congress as someone from the host country made the event especially meaningful. Like many of my fellow Dominicans, I wanted every participant to feel welcome. We hope our guests experienced not only a well-organized conference but also the warmth and hospitality for which the Dominican Republic is known.

Beyond the conference sessions, many participants took the opportunity to discover Santo Domingo through informal visits to the Colonial City. Those walks became an extension of the Congress itself. Conversations that had begun during the panels continued while exploring the first city of the Americas, sharing local cuisine and enjoying the unique atmosphere of our historic streets. It was a wonderful reminder that professional relationships are often strengthened outside the conference room.

One of my favourite moments came during the interactive workshop that closed the Congress. Participants were divided into teams and challenged to answer practical intellectual property questions through a live quiz platform. The objective seemed simple: answer correctly within the allotted time.

However, we quickly discovered something that probably surprised no one in a room full of IP lawyers.

Every question generated discussion. Teams debated different legal interpretations, questioned the wording of the answers and carefully analysed every option before submitting a response. What was designed as a fast-paced competition became a room full of thoughtful legal arguments, friendly objections and laughter. It was impossible not to smile. The exercise perfectly reflected who we are as IP professionals—analytical, curious and always ready to discuss the finer points of the law.

Looking back, what I will remember most is not only the outstanding programme but also the people. Throughout the two days, I saw experienced practitioners generously sharing their knowledge, colleagues reconnecting after years apart, new friendships being formed and professionals from different legal traditions learning from one another. That sense of openness and collaboration is something that cannot be fully appreciated until it is experienced firsthand.

This Congress also reminded me that intellectual property is much more than legislation, litigation or registrations. It is an international community committed to innovation, creativity and the exchange of ideas. Experiencing that community for the first time was both professionally enriching and personally inspiring.

As someone who had the privilege of welcoming the AIPPI community to the Dominican Republic while attending my first AIPPI event, I leave with two hopes. The first is that everyone who visited our country returned home with valuable professional insights and new friendships. The second is that they also left with a small piece of the Dominican Republic in their hearts.

For my part, I certainly left with a deeper appreciation of AIPPI, a renewed enthusiasm for intellectual property, and the hope of participating in many more AIPPI events in the years to come.