Agenda
Day 1
June 25, 2024
Networking Breakfast and Registration
Honorable Jacqueline Wright BonillaDeputy Chief Administrative Patent Judge, PTAB USPTO
Honorable Grace ObermannAdministrative Patent Judge, PTABUSPTO
Honorable Teresa Stanek ReaFormer Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property; Former Acting DirectorUSPTO
During this esteemed opening panel, we will analyze the latest trends in inclusion and innovation impacting and shaping the landscape for women leaders in IP law. Our esteemed panelists will explore:
- Exploring trends towards a more balanced and equitable IP landscape
- Increasing the representation of women in various roles, including patent examiners, attorneys, and leadership positions
- Exploring training programs and mentorship initiatives aimed at supporting women in IP law
- Collaborative efforts between industry 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
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 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:
- IP protection available for AI-generated information
- Impact of AI on patent and copyright law
- Right of publicity and unauthorized use of biometrics
- In-house guidance for use of generative AI technology
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
Ching-Lee FukudaPartnerSidley Austin LLP
Lisa PensabenePartnerO'Melveny Myers LLP
Anu SawkarSpecial Counsel for Intellectual PropertyFederal Trade Commission
Kaitlin CoreyPartnerGoodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann LLP
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
Juliana NevesPartnerLicks 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
Honorable MaryJoan McNamaraAdministrative Law JudgeU.S. International Trade Commission
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
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
Jennifer ChamplinDirector, DEI IncubatorEdward Jones
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
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
Heidi TandyPartnerBerger Singerman
Adriana S. LuedkeDirector and Associate General CounselLockheed Martin Corporation
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 Break
Networking Luncheon
Strategies for Managing a Global IP Portfolio
Identifying and Monetizing Hidden Value Within a Global IP Portfolio
Lisa JakobExecutive Director, Intellectual PropertyMerck
Lauren DegnanPrincipalFish & Richardson PC
In today’s highly innovative and fast-moving global marketplace, effectively managing you international IP portfolio is paramount for organizations seeking to safeguard and enhance their market presence, maximize the value of their assets, and maintain their competitive edge. During this session, we will explore:
- Creating a clear and consistent IP strategy that aligns with your organization’s global business goals and values
- Navigating the legal and technical aspects of cross-border IP registration
- Strategies for working with international partners
- Utilizing advanced data analytics and market intelligence tools to uncover hidden opportunities for monetization
Barbara A. JohnsonAssociate General Counsel, Intellectual PropertyBetter Business Bureau (BBB)
Laura J. WinstonPrincipal and Chair, Intellectual Property Practice GroupOffit Kurman, P.A.
Meredith M. WilkesPartnerJONES DAY
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 >
Networking Break
Using IP to Fight Counterfeiting
Leveraging IP for Online Detection and Offline Supply Chain Tracing of Counterfeit Goods
Elizabeth “Beth” JeniorSenior Attorney-Advisor, Intellectual Property Enforcement Branch
Regulations and Rulings | Office of TradeU.S. Customs and Border Protection
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
“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
Sabrina PerelmanSenior Director & Assistant General Counsel, IP & ContentPinterest
Mariessa TerrellAttorney Advisor, Trademarks Customer OutreachUSPTO
Daria WilliamsPrincipal Corporate CounselMicrosoft
Krupa ParikhSenior Special Counsel for IPU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Claudia FrostPartnerSteptoe 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