The 2026 MARQUES Annual Conference will be held in Lisbon. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and the second-oldest European capital city (after Athens), predating other modern European capitals by centuries. Settled by pre-Celtic tribes and later founded and civilized by the Phoenicians, Julius Caesar made it a municipium called Felicitas Julia, adding the term to the name Olissipo. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was ruled by a series of Germanic tribes from the 5th century, most notably the Visigoths. Later it was captured by the Moors in the 8th century. In 1147, Afonso Henriques conquered the city and in 1255, it became Portugal's capital, replacing Coimbra. It has since been the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country.
This year's MARQUES Annual Conference will focus on
how trade marks are evolving in exciting ways as businesses explore new ways
of using brands and other IP assets to build trust with consumers.
The Annual Conference will feature plenary sessions on topics including: the
fine line between fame and genericism; innovative strategies to unlock the
value of IP; the role of regulation; the intersection of geographical
indications, trade marks and international trade; and the new Digital
Product Passport. It will also include updates from EUIPO and the annual
review of CJEU and EU General Court case law.
Interactive workshops at this year's Annual Conference presented by the MARQUES Teams will cover anticounterfeiting at trade fairs; unconventional trade marks; artificial intelligence; domain name arbitration; and EU design developments.
We are delighted to welcome you to the 2026 MARQUES Annual Conference, Lisbon, Portugal where the theme of this year's conference will focus on 'The Exciting Evolution of Trademarks'.
ACCOMMODATION
This year you can choose your hotel when booking (subject to availability). We are offering a choice of
3 hotels - the Epic Sana which is where the main plenary session will be held. The Dom Pedro a 5 star hotel that is a 5 minute walk away and will host the Thursday Afternoon workshops
and the InterContinental a 5 star hotel which is an 8 minutes walk
away.
For more information on the hotels please see the Accommodation page.
Accommodation is available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Subject to availability, special rates have been negotiated for delegates wishing to extend their stay either before or after the Conference. Rates quoted are inclusive of breakfast and city tax.
NON-RESIDENTIAL AND MODULAR
REGISTRATIONS
We are able to offer those delegates who choose to source their
own accommodation or those who live locally, modular participation.
We have organised an exciting social programme and attendance at these functions is restricted to registered delegates and registered partners only. Unfortunately we are unable to offer registrations for social functions only.
Tuesday 22nd September
Relax and enjoy meeting up with colleagues and new acquaintances alike at
our informal Welcome Reception being held in the Epic Sana.
Dress Code: Smart/Casual/Comfortable
(Gentlemen are not required to wear suits or ties)
Wednesday 23rd September
Our Cultural Evening will be held at SUD Lisboa - a unique venue with a great view over the Tagus River and the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge.
Our arrival will be by coach.
Dress Code: Smart/Casual/Comfortable
(Gentlemen are not required to wear suits or ties)
Thursday 24th September
Our Signature Gala Dinner Evening will be held in Convento do Beato with dancing till the
early hours.
Dress Code: Black Tie/Tuxedo/Formal
Certificates of Attendance for Delegates, indicating the number of hours of educational content, can be issued on request to the MARQUES Secretariat. For those jurisdictions which require it, provisions will be made for registration of attendance at individual sessions.
REGISTRATION FEES
Members of MARQUES are offered an 'Early
Bird Discount' for registration for full residential or non-residential
packages booked by Friday 26th June 2026.
Please note that early registration is strongly recommended.
