Principal Charles Boulakia joined the Canadian delegation at the AIPPI conference in Yokohama, Japan, from September 13-16. Below Charles provides some insights and highlights from the conference.
"Japan was an incredible host this year, pulling out all the stops. But the best part of the conference was catching up with old friends and making new ones."
Landmark patent resolution
Alongside esteemed colleagues Anita Nador, Santosh Chari and Fraser Rowand, the delegation successfully advanced Patent Resolution Q293, proposing a harmonized framework for compulsory licensing of patents in cases of overriding public interest, a significant step forward in global patent law.
Left to right: Fraser Rowand, Santosh Chari, Charles Boulakia, Anita Nador.
Chair of the Standing Committee on Pharma
Charles was honoured to be appointed Chair of the Standing Committee on Pharma, in a bittersweet announcement that marked the retirement of John Todaro, who has led the group for more than a decade. This committee of over 50 members from dozens of countries is one of the most active at AIPPI.
Publication of Volume 11 of the AIPPI Law Series
The event also marked the finalization of Volume 11 of the AIPPI Law Series, a monumental 473-page publication titled Experimental Use and Bolar Exemptions. Charles, alongside co-editors David Gilat and Daphné Derouane, celebrated this achievement with over 80 contributing authors — a true testament to collaborative scholarship in IP law.
Left to right: David Gilat, Daphné Derouane, Charles Boulakia.
Pharma Day highlights
"Pharma Day" featured four dynamic panel discussions addressing critical IP challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, many of which were organized and led by the Standing Committee on Pharma members, including Charles.
Leadership of the Pharma and Biotech committees, top to bottom: Daphné Derouane, Graeme Boocock, Daniel Lim, Juergen Meier, Charles Boulakia, and Martin Klok.
Left to right: John Todaro (standing), Martin Klok, Charles Boulakia, Juergen Meier, Daniel Lim, Graeme Boocock, and Daphné Derouane.
Cultural highlights from Japan
Beyond the conference, Charles and colleagues embraced the unique cultural experiences Japan had to offer — from sushi on conveyor belts and visits to the Seiko and Cupnoodles museums, to memorable evenings of karaoke and a captivating Kabuki theatre performance.
Charles Boulakia's participation in AIPPI 2025 reflects Smart & Biggar's ongoing leadership in international intellectual property law and its commitment to shaping the future of innovation worldwide.