The hosting of major international trade shows such as the Mobile World Congress 2026 involves a high concentration of commercial launches, technological innovations, and new products, which significantly increases the risk of disputes regarding industrial property, intellectual property, and unfair competition. To ensure effective and prompt judicial protection during these events, the Commercial Courts have once again activated the On-Call and Rapid Response Protocol, which in 2026 will not only apply to the MWC but, for the first time, will also extend to the Alimentaria and Hostelco.
In this article, we analyze the scope of the Protocol at MWC 2026, its main new features, and its application to the Alimentaria and Hostelco trade shows, as well as the importance of adequate advance legal planning by participating companies.
The 2026 Mobile World Congress Protocol: Continuity and Consolidation
The Mobile World Congress 2026 will be held from March 2 to 5, 2026, and will once again bring together the leading companies in the technology and telecommunications sectors. As has been the case for more than a decade, the Commercial Courts of Barcelona, together with the Commercial Courts of Alicante (European Union Trademark Court), have agreed to activate a specific protocol for on-call duty and rapid response, applicable during the month leading up to the event and, particularly intensively, during the days of the congress.
The activation of this system will address potential conflicts between exhibiting companies and holders of industrial and intellectual property rights that may give rise to requests for preliminary proceedings or injunctive relief. The system’s objective is to facilitate expedited and priority processing of such proceedings, while ensuring the effectiveness of judicial protection during the event.
Measures Provided for in the Rapid Response Protocol
The Protocol establishes a series of specific commitments on the part of the judicial bodies, aimed at providing a prompt response to any disputes that may arise during the conference.
Expedited Processing of Proceedings and Precautionary Measures
The courts are committed to giving priority processing to:
- Requests for preliminary proceedings and fact-finding proceedings.
- Applications for urgent interim relief, with or without a hearing for the defendant.
These actions may relate, among other things, to alleged infringements of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and intellectual property rights, as well as acts of unfair competition and unlawful advertising, provided that they are related to products or services being presented, exhibited, or promoted at the Mobile World Congress.
Shorter resolution times
The court settlement sets particularly short deadlines for resolution:
- A maximum period of 48 hours to rule on preliminary proceedings and injunctive relief without a hearing for the defendant.
- A maximum period of 10 days for ruling on preliminary injunctions with a hearing scheduled, provided that a preliminary brief has been filed.
Preventive Measures
The Protocol expressly provides for the possibility of companies filing preventive briefs when, in the face of a potential dispute, they have reasonable grounds to fear that they may be the subject of a motion for preliminary injunctive relief without a hearing. A decision on whether to accept these briefs is made within approximately 24 hours, allowing the court to become aware of the potential defendant’s position in advance.
Expanded Scope: Digital Environments and Artificial Intelligence
The scope of application of the Protocol expressly includes actions taken:
- In virtual environments, online platforms, or the metaverse.
- Through content generated by automated systems or artificial intelligence, such as images, text, videos, sounds, voices, or algorithmic decisions.
Extension of the Protocol to Alimentaria and Hostelco 2026
In a significant development for 2026, the Commercial Courts of Barcelona have agreed to extend the On-Call and Rapid Response Protocol—initially designed for the Mobile World Congress—to the Alimentaria and Hostelco 2026 trade shows, which will be held from March 23 to 26, 2026.
This extension will allow the same system of expedited processing and urgent resolution to be applied to disputes that may arise in connection with food products, beverages, restaurant and hospitality equipment, and matters related to trademarks, designs, trade secrets, intellectual property rights, and acts of unfair competition. The court agreement also places specific emphasis on protecting the confidentiality of sensitive information, in accordance with regulations on trade secrets.
The Importance of Prior Legal Preparation
Experience gained from previous editions of the Mobile World Congress shows that proper use of the Protocol requires advance legal preparation on the part of exhibiting companies. Identifying risks in advance, analyzing one’s own rights and those of third parties, and planning for potential legal proceedings are key to minimizing incidents during the event.
Having access to expert advice before the event begins puts companies in a better position both to respond quickly to a potential infringement and to avoid unexpected injunctive relief that could affect their business operations or launch strategy.
Elzaburu and the MWC Protocol: Proven Experience
At ELZABURU, we have played a significant role in the practical implementation of the on-call and rapid response protocols associated with the Mobile World Congress, having participated in approximately 32% of the cases handled within this framework over the past 8 years.
At the 2026 edition, and in conjunction with the Mobile World Congress, Alimentaria, and Hostelco, we will once again support our clients by implementing legal strategies tailored to this specific procedural framework, aimed at ensuring effective protection of their industrial and intellectual property rights and properly managing the risks associated with their participation in these events.
María Cadarso, Senior Associate in the Legal Department at ELZABURU.