Pat-Got FAQ

According to the World Intellectual Property Association (WIPO, a part of the United Nations), Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images. IP is protected in almost all countries by, for example, patents, copyright, and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP systems aim to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish.

Generally speaking, Intellectual Property Professionals are persons who are licensed by a government to provide advice, and create and enforce legal rights in intellectual property. Generally IP professionals spend significantly more than 50% of their professional time on IP matters. In addition to specialist IP lawyers, IP professionals also include registered patent and trademark agents who are licensed by government to prepare, file, and prosecute applications for intellectual property on behalf of clients. Note that an IP lawyer may or may not also be a registered IP agent.

The attendance at the annual meeting varies from 50 to 70, generally comprised of 40 IP professionals and 20 spouses, most of whom participate in 4 or 5 days of golf and tennis. This permits all attendees to stay at one conference hotel, and also provides for a very unique and beneficial networking, educational, and social experience for everyone.

Pat-Got IP professionals have come from more than 30 countries.

The conference meetings start with a Sunday evening dinner, followed by golf Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and for some also golf on Wednesday. There is a final dinner on Friday evening.

Typically, attendees adhere to a smart casual or casual dress code.

The annual membership fees have remained unchanged for many years. In 2025, the annual membership fee is US $150 or EUR €130.