How to Protect Your Intellectual Property Rights During the Mobile World Congress

3 March, 2025
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Intellectual property
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Lucas Charnet


The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is the premier event on the global mobile communications calendar. This event, taking place in Barcelona from March 3 to 6, 2025, is the epicenter of technological innovation, where companies from around the world showcase advancements in devices, networks, software, and applications. However, presenting new technologies also comes with risks, particularly in the field of industrial and intellectual property (IP). Patents, utility models, trademarks, and copyrights play a crucial role in protecting these innovations and safeguarding the investments made by companies.

Intellectual Property Conflicts at the MWC

What many exhibitors may not realize is that conflicts can arise during the MWC between companies presenting similar technologies or disputes over the ownership of an invention. In recent years, over 170 cases have required judicial intervention to resolve disputes related to industrial and intellectual property.

To address these situations, at MES Advocats, we are available to advise and support you in applying the procedural framework established by the Barcelona Commercial Court—a fast and effective mechanism for protecting IP rights during the congress.

The Barcelona Commercial Court Protocol for the MWC

Aware of the impact of industrial and intellectual property disputes at an event of this magnitude, the Barcelona and Alicante Commercial Courts have implemented a Guard and Rapid Action Service Protocol, which will be in effect throughout February 2025 and during the event itself. This protocol aims to ensure effective and expedited protection of exhibitors’ and participants’ rights. Its key measures include:

Priority processing of preliminary proceedings and fact-finding measures related to patents, technological innovations, and industrial designs presented at the MWC. This procedure allows rights holders to obtain evidence before filing a lawsuit, ensuring that their innovations are not used without their consent.

Resolution within 48 hours of requests for preliminary proceedings and urgent interim measures without a hearing. This speed is crucial to prevent irreparable damage, allowing companies to protect their rights promptly.

A maximum resolution period of 10 days for interim measures requiring a hearing, provided that a preventive filing has been submitted. This allows companies to anticipate potential legal actions against them and prepare an appropriate defense.

Immediate adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the commercialization or display of potentially infringing technologies at the event. This prevents suspected infringing products from being promoted or sold while the dispute is being resolved.

Confidentiality protection of information that may constitute trade secrets. Many innovations have not yet been patented or publicly disclosed, so the protocol safeguards sensitive data during legal proceedings.

Extension of the protocol to digital environments, including the metaverse and artificial intelligence platforms. As many presentations take place in virtual spaces, this measure ensures effective IP protection beyond the physical event.

Key Strategies to Protect Your Intellectual Property During the MWC

To minimize risks and effectively safeguard your IP rights, follow these recommendations:

1. Register Your Rights in Advance: Before participating in the MWC, ensure that all your patents, utility models, trademarks, and industrial designs are properly registered. This not only provides solid legal protection but also enables you to take swift action against potential infringements. Additionally, having the necessary documentation will facilitate the adoption of precautionary measures in case of a dispute.
2. Conduct an Intellectual Property Audit: Before the event, it is advisable to carry out a detailed analysis of your IP portfolio. This includes reviewing the validity of your rights, verifying whether any renewals are required, and identifying potential gaps in the protection of your innovations. A well-conducted audit can help prevent conflicts and strengthen your position in commercial negotiations.
3. Identify Potential Risks: Research which companies will be present at the MWC and what products or technologies they will showcase. Understanding your competitors and potential infringers will allow you to anticipate disputes and take preventive measures. It is advisable to monitor registered patents and trademarks in your industry to detect possible infringements or problematic similarities.
4. Submit a Preventive Filing: If there is a risk that a company may file interim measures against you, submitting a preventive filing to the Barcelona Commercial Court will allow you to present your position before any decision is made without a hearing. This is especially useful in the MWC context, where judges resolve such requests within a very short timeframe.
5. Seek Specialized Legal Advice: Given that IP conflicts at the MWC can arise within hours, it is crucial to have a specialized legal team that can act quickly and effectively. An expert legal advisor in industrial and intellectual property will guide you in the best defense or claim strategy, ensuring that your rights are optimally protected.

At MES Advocats, we support you before, during, and after the Mobile World Congress, providing legal assistance in industrial and intellectual property matters. If you need help protecting your innovations or resolving legal disputes, do not hesitate to contact us through this link. We will be by your side to ensure that your participation in the MWC is a success without unnecessary legal risks.

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Assessorament legal MWCMobile World CongressPatents i marquesProtecció de la propietat intel·lectual

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