ANIMA MUNDI IP-Thlon
The first ANIMA MUNDI IP‑Thlon was held on 29-30 April 2026 in Udine, Italy, alongside the Far East Film Festival. Organised under Work Package 6 and led by project partner CEE Animation in cooperation with Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, the event brought together European animation professionals and academia to address the key legal aspects regarding the commercial exploitation and management of intellectual property (IP), as well as the challenges of exporting European animation works to non‑EU markets, with a particular focus on China.
Conceived as an intensive, collaborative brainstorming format, the IP‑Thlon combined theoretical and experience-based knowledge with audiovisual market realities, facilitated working groups and peer exchange to explore IP management and licensing, IP‑based business models, and strategic approaches to European and international markets. The discussions generated shared insights, tested practices and concrete takeaways aimed at strengthening the capacity of European animation professionals to manage, protect and exploit their IP within and across the borders of the European Union , contributing directly to the broader objectives of ANIMA MUNDI.
What are IP‑Thlons?
IP‑Thlons are intensive, collaborative brainstorming and training sessions designed to address key IP challenges in the European animation sector, with a particular focus on international exploitation and export outside the EU.
Within ANIMA MUNDI, IP‑Thlons function as problem‑solving and co‑creation spaces. They bring together the Consortium members with animation professionals to jointly identify and analyse challenges, test ideas and co‑develop practical approaches to IP management.
In total, five IP‑Thlons are organised over a 14‑month period as part of Work Package 6 (Task 6.3) of ANIMA MUNDI. Each IP‑Thlon focuses on two core thematic areas, selected from a shared framework that covers the main IP‑related bottlenecks faced by European animation professionals, including IP protection and licensing in European and non-European markets, and IP‑based business models,investment strategies, and strategic IP planning for accessing foreign markets.
Ultimately, the events will help structure a sustained industry conversation on IP, aligned with European values, competitiveness and internationalisation goals.
The resolutions of the IP-Thlons will be consolidated into event briefs and shared with the event participants and the public at large through the communication channels of the IP-Thlons organiser, CEE Animation, and ANIMA MUNDI.
