January 2026 We are delighted to announce that Schlich’s very own Simon Wright has begun his term as CIPA president, from 1 January 2026.
Simon was elected CIPA president in November 2024 and was Vice-President for 2025’s President Bobby Mukherjee. He will be supported by newly elected Vice-President Vicki Salmon.
During his presidency, Simon wants to continue to actively engage with the entire CIPA membership, and to particularly encourage SMEs to grow and thrive. He wants to focus support on small IP practices and firms.
He plans to reach out and engage with the smaller IP practices in the UK and visit members in these firms in 2026. He says:
“Small (and large) IP practices need to help UK business foster innovation and use IP as a serious and significant business tool.
We want to grow and maintain the UK’s world beating IP system, making IP accessible and enforceable. Ideally, we work to generate an atmosphere that can create jobs and economic value.
We need to continue to work with government, especially the UK Intellectual Property Office, as well as other IP institutions such as the World Intellectual Property Office, to enhance the value and importance of IP for all businesses, large and small.
There is a growing discussion within the profession on the merits of the UK rejoining the Unified Patent Court. Simon will support these voices during his presidency. Our first UPC Conference, organised the UPC Committee during 2025, was a great success and we look forward to being involved in this success being repeated in 2026.”
We look forward to hearing about Simon’s presidency as the year progresses!
