New trends and technologies always raise questions about intellectual property (IP). In the past, the focus was on the introduction of telephony, the possibility of film and music recording, and the advent of the internet. Today, it is topics such as the internet of things (IoT) and blockchain that are keeping IP experts busy. 

In the age of digitalisation, the question arises as to how the intellectual property system can support and adequately protect technological progress, and whether these new technologies cannot contribute to improving the IP system itself. 

The following topics highlight some current developments relevant to IP. 

See also

• WIPO Magazine (2019): Interview with Francis Gurry on IP in a digitalised world