Inaugural Conference in Guatemala Launches the First IP Moot for AIPPI’s Central America & Caribbean Regional Group

13 November , marked a milestone for the Central America and Caribbean Regional Group of AIPPI with the successful celebration of the Inaugural Conference of the First IP Lawyers’ Moot Court. The event, held in a hybrid format, brought together approximately 80 attendees, reflecting the growing regional interest in intellectual property, arbitration, and legal innovation.

The conference featured an inspiring keynote address by Fernando Triana, whose insights set the tone for an event dedicated to advancing professional excellence in IP practice and arbitration. His participation added exceptional value to the launch, motivating teams and attendees as they embark on this new academic and professional journey.

A Regional Effort to Strengthen IP Practice

This first edition of the IP Moot serves as an unprecedented opportunity for young professionals and emerging IP practitioners across the region to strengthen advocacy skills, deepen their knowledge of arbitration, and engage with real-world intellectual property challenges. The initiative showcases AIPPI Regional Group commitment to fostering collaboration, capacity building, and cross-border legal development in Central America and the Caribbean.

During the event, we proudly introduced the teams participating in this year’s competition. Representing diverse jurisdictions and academic backgrounds, they reflect both the regional spirit and the high level of talent in our community:

• Idea Protectors – Costa Rica
• Los Intangibles – Guatemala
• Los Infractor-Killers – Honduras, El Salvador & Costa Rica
• IP Guardians – Guatemala
• Los Legalistas – Dominican Republic & Costa Rica
• Minding IP – Dominican Republic
• Mindrights – Guatemala & Costa Rica
• Hecho y Derecho – Honduras

Their participation marks the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic, intellectually challenging, and regionally unifying competition. Each team brings unique perspectives and strengths, contributing to a diverse and enriching moot court experience.

We also introduce the case “RENDERS IN THE SAND” a very interesting Regional case that combines copyright, technology, tourism, contract law and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Looking Ahead

The launch of the First IP Moot is more than a competition—it is a platform to cultivate future leaders in intellectual property law across our region. Through academic rigor, teamwork, and practical simulation of arbitration proceedings, participants will have the opportunity to expand their expertise and engage with some of the most relevant issues in today’s IP landscape.

We look forward to the upcoming rounds where we already have 20 committed arbitrators and to witness the exchange of ideas that will undoubtedly emerge from this initiative. Congratulations to all teams, and our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the inaugural conference a resounding success, including our sponsors!