Agenda
Day 1
June 25, 2024
Networking Breakfast and Registration
Taking a Look at What’s Ahead for USPTO Women’s Initiatives
Exploring Opportunities for Empowering Women in IP on a Global Scale
During this opening panel, we will analyze the latest global initiatives being driven by the USPTO to advance the representation and roles of women in the field of intellectual property law. Our esteemed panelists will explore:
- The latest efforts to promote gender diversity within the USPTO and across the IP law sector
- The USPTO’s most recent initiatives to help increase the representation of women in various roles, including patent examiners, attorneys, and leadership positions
- The agency’s implementation of training programs and mentorship initiatives aimed at supporting women in IP law, including valuable resources and guidance to navigate the complexities of the field
- Collaborative efforts between the USPTO and international organizations to enhance the participation of women in IP law on a global scale
Networking Break
Tackling the AI + IP Conundrum
Navigating Emerging Challenges Arising at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence Innovation and IP Protection
Kelly BurkeAssociate Senior Legal Counsel, IP InvestigationsAdobe
Victoria E. EllisLegal Counsel, Brand IPNestlé Health Science U.S.
Anna LinneAssociate General Counsel Intellectual Property & InnovationS&P Global
Jennifer MaiselPartnerRothwell Figg
While the recent emergence of generative AI technologies has ushered in a new realm of opportunities, it has also unleashed a myriad of complex challenges for copyright, trademark, and other IP rights. What’s more, AI-assisted inventions have been calling IP rights into question, and the USPTO has just released its new AI inventorship guidance causing significant implications for the patent community. During this panel, we will discuss:
- The various IP implications associated with use of generative AI technologies
- The latest concerns surrounding ChatGPT, deepfakes, the use of open source and beyond)
- A look at the ways deepfakes are being used to replicate trademarks or logos in deceptive or unauthorized contexts that pose trademark infringement risks, undermining brand integrity and consumer trust
- How companies can utilize authentication technologies to help mitigate the risks of deepfake manipulation
- Exploring AI regulations applicable to generative AI with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and ethical use to protect against potential IP issues and mitigate related societal harms
- Examining the USPTO’s newly released inventorship guidance for AI-assisted inventions
- Understanding how to determine whether a human contribution to an innovation is significant enough to qualify for a patent when AI also contributed
Networking Luncheon
"Birds of a Feather" Roundtables
Our roundtables are designed for industry professionals to engage in focused small-group sessions that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, allowing participants to gain insights into emerging trends and best practices through collaborative discussion.
IP Litigation Spotlight
Examining the “Top 10” Court Cases Influencing the Intellectual Property Landscape in 2024
Kaitlin CoreyPartnerGoodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann LLP
Ching-Lee FukudaPartnerSidley Austin LLP
Lisa PensabenePartnerO'Melveny Myers LLP
Anu SawkarSpecial Counsel for Intellectual PropertyFederal Trade Commission
The 2024 IP litigation landscape has been shaped by several recent landmark cases which have significant implications for businesses, IP counsel and innovators alike. During this panel, we will explore:
- High-profile patent infringement cases that have garnered attention, particularly in the technology and financial services sectors, with disputes over emerging technologies and innovations
- Copyright cases highlighting the complexities of digital content distribution, fair use, and the enforcement of copyright laws in online platforms, streaming services, and emerging technologies like AI
- Significant cases involving trade secrets that underscore the critical importance of cybersecurity measures and the need for robust protection strategies to safeguard valuable proprietary information from theft, misappropriation, and unauthorized disclosure
- Cross-border IP disputes and complex jurisdictional challenges related to the harmonization of international IP laws, enforcement mechanisms, and the role of multinational corporations in shaping global IP norms and practices
Networking Break
Nicole MorrisDirector of Innovation and Legal Tech & Professor in PracticeEmory University School of Law
Bridget SmithAssistant General Counsel, Head of Intellectual PropertyRelativity Space
Angela WilsonSenior Counsel, Intellectual PropertyThe Hershey Company
Tatiana MachadoPartnerLicks Attorneys
In the digital age, trademark disputes have taken on new dimensions as businesses navigate the complexities of online brand protection and enforcement. With the proliferation of e-commerce platforms, social media channels, and digital marketing strategies, the landscape for trademark infringement has expanded exponentially, presenting both challenges and opportunities for brand owners. During this panel, we will explore:
- Navigating challenges related to domain name infringement
- Combatting the challenges of competitors and/or third parties using trademarks as keywords in online advertising campaigns, potentially diverting traffic and customers away from the rightful owner
- Examining the landscape pf social media username squatting and its potential to damage a brand’s reputation
- How to navigate the proliferation of online marketplaces facilitating the sale of counterfeit goods bearing trademarks, leading to trademark infringement disputes and challenges in enforcing IP rights against online sellers
- Examining the applicability of national trademark laws in an interconnected digital landscape
Lessons from Women Trailblazers in IP Law
Forging and Navigating Pathways to Success in a Male-Dominated Sector
Dale CendaliPartnerKirkland & Ellis LLP
Rachelle L. LarocheVP, Chief Commercial & IP CounselLVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton
Hon. MaryJoan McNamaraAdministrative Law JudgeU.S. International Trade Commission
Hon. Teresa Stanek ReaFormer Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property; Former Acting DirectorUSPTO
Jamie LuciaPartnerSteptoe LLP
This panel of women trailblazers in IP law will share valuable lessons on breaking through barriers and navigating different pathways to success. Whether you are looking to change career paths, companies or roles at your current company, these women will provide first-hand insights on the risks and rewards that come with trying something new, as well as how to best position yourself for success during a transition.
- Preparing to take a leap in your career
- Identifying when it might be time to deviate from your 5 or 10-year career plan
- Determining what experience you might lack for a new role and making a plan for how to get it
- Stepping outside your comfort zone and pushing your boundaries to best enhance your skill set
- Leaning into mentorship initiatives led by seasoned professionals who can offer valuable insights, support, and opportunities for growth
- Understanding how to make your resume appealing to the type of company or role you aspire to transition into, and what companies/ organizations/agencies are really looking for when recruiting for the particular role
- Leveraging your networks, platforms and resources to help you thrive in the next step of your career
Closing Remarks and Day 1 Adjourns to Cocktail Reception
Day 2
June 26, 2024
Networking Breakfast and Registration
“The Best Thing I Ever Learned from a Mentor (or Mentee)”
Town Hall on Cultivating and Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in IP Law
Vanessa BaileyHead of Patent Public PolicyAmazon
Sabrina PerelmanHead of IP & Content LegalPinterest
Mariessa TerrellAttorney Advisor, Trademarks Customer OutreachUSPTO
Ann ValdiviaAssociate General Counsel, Intellectual PropertyUSAA
Kate CappaertPartnerSteptoe LLP
We will close out this year’s conference with a panel of esteemed women leaders in IP law who will share the most influential lesson or piece of advice that they received from a mentor in the course of their career. Our panelists will explore:
- Pass along golden nuggets of wisdom that have impacted their own career trajectories
- Share examples of targeted initiatives or strategic investments in female talent development that have actually paid off
- Share experiences with a mentor or mentee that have helped them in their own job performance and job satisfaction
- Impart meaningful advice on the next generation of women preparing to lead in the IP legal industry
Battling the Emerging DEI Backlash
How Women Leaders in IP Law Can Maintain Career Advancement Momentum in the Face of Recent DEI Pushback
Randi Adkins-WarrenCorporate CounselAflac
Elizabeth MannoIP Litigation PartnerVenable LLP
With recent attacks on DEI initiatives now on the rise, women (and particularly diverse women) are facing a more challenging landscape when trying to climb the corporate ladder. This panel will discuss:
- How did we get here? Understanding why the DEI pendulum is now seemingly swinging in the opposite direction
- How to avoid unintended consequences of your corporate DEI policy
- Considering the unexpected ways that DEI policies can reverberate in an organization and getting ahead of possible negative effects on different employee groups and subgroups
- Exploring the risks associated with dismantling or rolling back of DEI programs
- What women in current leadership roles can do to help promote and maintain female workplace momentum amidst this time of DEI pushback
Networking Break
Navigating the Crossroads of Cybersecurity and IP Law
Analyzing Top Cyber Threats Against Internal Company IP and Response Strategies After a Breach
Libbie H. CanterPartnerCovington & Burling LLP
Kristin GrimesAssistant General Counsel, National Security and Cyber Law BranchFBI
Gwenn E. CujdikManager, North America Cyber Incident Response TeamAXA XL
Adriana S. LuedkeDirector and Associate General CounselLockheed Martin Corporation
Heidi TandyPartnerBerger Singerman
IP is the lifeblood of many organizations and losing it to cyber theft could evaporate a company’s competitive advantage and threaten its future. It is thus critical for companies to understand the opportunities available to protect IP from cyber theft, how to best enforce IP rights in the face of a cyber-attack, and how to potentially modify or redevelop stolen IP to regain a company’s competitive advantage. During this panel, we will explore:
- Common cyber threats targeting internal company IP, including data breaches, phishing attacks, and insider threats
- How to take proactive measures for mitigating cyber risks and safeguarding sensitive intellectual property assets
- Developing incident response plans tailored to rapidly address breaches involving intellectual property theft or compromise
- Enforcing IP rights in the face of cyber threats: taking legal recourse against cyber thieves to try and recover IP or block it from being used detrimentally
- Ascertaining if and how the stolen IP can be potentially modified or redeveloped to regain a competitive space in the market
Networking Luncheon
Secrets from the Boardroom
Women on Boards Share Insights on How to Earn, Utilize and Retain Your Seat at the Table
Joining a board can help boost your career to the next level, but how do you get there? In this session, hear from a panel of female board members on what strategies they implemented to achieve their seat at the boardroom table, and what you can do to get yourself boardroom ready. Topics of discussion include:
- How women can best support other women in the endeavor of joining boards
- Tips for navigating the board experience and standing out as an effective board member
- Strategies for moving from a seat at the table to the head of the table
- Analyzing boardroom diversity strategies that are yielding effective results
Networking Break
Barbara A. JohnsonAssociate General Counsel, Intellectual PropertyBetter Business Bureau (BBB)
Meredith M. WilkesPartnerJONES DAY
Laura J. WinstonPrincipal and Chair, Intellectual Property Practice GroupOffit Kurman, P.A.
Safeguarding your organization against insider threats is paramount in protecting IP from the rising risks posed by individuals with authorized access to sensitive information. These threats, which can originate from employees, contractors, or business partners with authorized access to sensitive information, pose significant challenges to IP security. To mitigate these risks, organizations must implement robust security measures and proactive strategies.
During this panel, we will discuss:
- Conducting thorough background checks on employees, contractors, and business partners to identify potential insider threats
- Implementing access controls and monitoring systems to track and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive IP data
- Providing comprehensive training on data security protocols and best practices for handling confidential information
- Establishing clear policies and procedures for handling and protecting sensitive IP data
- Fostering a culture of accountability and awareness among employees regarding insider threats and the importance of IP security >
Using IP to Fight Counterfeiting
Leveraging IP for Online Detection and Offline Supply Chain Tracing of Counterfeit Goods
Alaina van HornChief, Intellectual Property Enforcement BranchU.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Josephine YoungPartnerGroombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP
Recent enforcement actions highlight the importance of understanding the legal and practical aspects of combating counterfeiting, including the implementation of robust IP protection strategies. Leveraging IP as a tool to combat counterfeiting involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses both online detection and offline supply chain tracing. During this panel, we will examine:
- Utilizing advanced technologies and data analytics to identify and track counterfeit goods across online platforms
- Tracing counterfeit goods from online detection to their offline supply chains to disrupt counterfeit networks
- Understanding the legal framework surrounding IP enforcement actions against counterfeiters
- Implementing robust IP protection strategies to safeguard against counterfeiting
- Collaborating with law enforcement agencies to effectively combat counterfeiting and enforce IP rights