Spain's IP Regulation and AI Future: Leaders Converge on San Sebastián

IP Regulation in Spain and AI as a Job-Creating Force: 5 Takeaways From San Sebastián's European Conference SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 - Top executives, government leaders, and international figures gathered during the San Sebastián Film Festival to reflect on Spain's position within the European audiovisual industry. The event, titled "Leading the Audiovisual of the Future," aimed to understand how to navigate a constantly evolving market. The conference, held by Spain's Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service through the State Secretariat for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, brought together experts from various fields to discuss intellectual property (IP) regulation in Spain. The gathering highlighted the importance of balancing IP protection with innovation and job creation. According to Carla Redondo Galbarriatu, Director General of Ikusmira Berriak, a development program that supports audiovisual projects, "The conference demonstrated that AI is not only a threat but also an opportunity for job creation in the industry. We saw a 34% increase in applications this year, which is outstanding success." Nathalie Martínez, a representative from the European Commission, emphasized the need for IP regulation to adapt to the changing landscape. "The European Union has implemented various measures to support the audiovisual sector, including the creation of a new framework for AI-driven content creation," she said. Alfonso Blanco, President of the Spanish Audiovisual Producers' Association (APAC), highlighted the challenges faced by producers in navigating IP regulations. "We need clear and consistent guidelines on IP rights to ensure that creators can work freely without fear of lawsuits or censorship," he stated. Carlos Fernández de Vigo, State Secretary for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia. "The conference showed that we are moving in the right direction by promoting innovation and job creation while protecting IP rights," he said. Background context shows that Spain has been actively promoting its audiovisual sector through various initiatives, including the development program Ikusmira Berriak. The country aims to become a leader in the European audiovisual industry, leveraging AI as a key driver of growth. Additional perspectives from experts and attendees suggest that IP regulation is a complex issue requiring a balanced approach. While some argue that stronger IP protection is necessary to safeguard creators' rights, others emphasize the need for flexibility to accommodate innovation and job creation. The conference concluded with a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to work together to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the audiovisual sector. As the European audiovisual landscape continues to evolve, Spain's position as a leader in IP regulation and AI-driven innovation will be closely watched. The next developments in this area are expected to come from the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, which has pledged to continue supporting the industry through various initiatives. By Rafa Sales Ross Guest Contributor Rafa Sales Ross is a journalist covering technology, business, and politics. He has written extensively on IP regulation and AI-driven innovation in the audiovisual sector. *Reporting by Variety.*