North America's Premier Invitation-Only Gathering for Senior IP & Brand Protection Leaders
January 28 - 29, 2025
| Austin Marriott South, Texas
Agenda Day 1
7:30 am - 8:30 am
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
8:30 am - 8:35 am
OPENING REMARKS FROM IQPC
8:35 am - 8:45 am
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
Chris Benson -
Partner & Head of Electronics,
HGF
8:45 am - 8:50 am
LIVE POLLING
8:50 am - 9:10 am
SHARED EXPERIENCE ROUNDTABLES
9:10 am - 9:40 am
PRESENTATION: WHEN AI MET IP – WHAT IN-HOUSE COUNSEL CAN LEARN FROM THE SAG-AFTRA AGREEMENT
Ray Rodriguez -
Chief Contracts Officer,
SAG-AFTRA
As technology rapidly advances, it has become clear that AI is leading the way and transforming the way we view and create content. A recent strike among SAG-AFTRA members eventually led to an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers aiming to safeguard performers’ rights in relation to AI. Though confined to the entertainment industry, this agreement nevertheless serves as an outline for potential future discussions as companies utilizing generative AI for content creation start to equip themselves with the necessary tools to limit infringement on IP and ensure compliance.
- Learn about the agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motions Picture and Television Producers, as well as different cases of copyright and personal rights’ infringement in order to stay ahead of evolving legal frameworks
- Understand the importance of establishing a strategy to ensure compliance and mitigate risk, such as continuous monitoring and frequent employee training
- Explore questions of ethics in an effort to shape a responsible AI landscape as a community of in-house counsels
9:40 am - 10:25 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: TRANSFORMING YOUR IP LITIGATION & ENFORCEMENT APPROACHES TO OPTIMIZE RESULTS WHILST CONSERVING COSTS, TIME AND OTHER RESOURCES
Sara Dastgheib-Vinarov -
Global Legal Head of IP & Innovation,
Tate & Lyle
Michael Carrozza - Partner, McAndrews, Held & Malloy
Scott McBride - Intellectual Property Attorney (Shareholder and Board Member), McAndrews, Held & Malloy
While litigation and enforcement remain critical for IP leaders, the current economic climate is leading them to seek efficient strategies that will not jeopardize results.
- Home in on key practices to identify and retain the right outside counsel for you
- Hear creative solutions for controlling costs while maximizing IP protection
- Reflect on changes to policy and practice in light of current economic pressures
Moderated by McAndrews IP
Scott McBride
Intellectual Property Attorney (Shareholder and Board Member)McAndrews, Held & Malloy
10:30 am - 11:00 am
THINK TANK: BRAND PROTECTION AT THE BORDER – WORKING WITH CUSTOMS TO PREVENT THE INFLUX OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS
Jeni Zuercher -
Director, Global Brand Protection,
YETI
It is rare that a counterfeit is manufactured in the same geographical region in which it is sold. Components will often be sourced and assembled across the globe, reason for which brands are increasingly turning to supply chains and Customs to have an overview of the process and track down fake goods before they make it online. Customs and
border control going forward will continue to play a vital role in tracking down and stopping the inflow of counterfeits, but the key for in-house counsel remains to be able to work efficiently both with them and supply chain teams in order to cut off the issue at its root.
- Explore the concept of ‘cradle to grave’ and of potential techniques to track products from its early stages through to delivery in order to reduce the entrance of fake goods in the market
- Assess rules and laws across different geographical locations to better tailor your working strategy with Customs and supply chains
- Discover strategies to efficiently communicate with Customs and supply chains, and initiatives to improve collaboration and slow the generation and dissemination of fake goods early before they hit online marketplaces
11:05 am - 11:35 am
COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
11:40 am - 12:10 pm
THINK TANK: NAVIGATING EUROPE - IP STRATEGY IN THE UPC ERA
Jennifer Unsworth -
Patent Director,
HGF
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) marks a transformative shift in the European patent system, offering businesses new possibilities for protection and enforcement. To maximize the advantages of this evolving framework, it is essential to navigate the options strategically.
Join us to explore how the UPC era is reshaping patent strategies in Europe. This discussion will empower you to:
• Gain clarity on the full range of patent protection and enforcement options.
• Weigh the risks and benefits to make informed decisions for your business.
• Implement tailored strategies to optimize your European IP portfolio and maintain a competitive edge.
10:30 am - 11:00 am
1:1 BUSINESS MEETINGS
11:05 am - 11:35 am
1:1 BUSINESS MEETINGS
11:40 am - 12:10 pm
1:1 BUSINESS MEETINGS
12:15 pm - 12:45 pm
PRESENTATION: GUARDIANS OF INNOVATION - LEGAL STRATEGIES IN THE AGE OF PATENT TROLL THREATS
Ken Seddon -
CEO,
LOT Network
Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs, aka patent trolls) are responsible for buying 70% of the patents in the open broker market and for filing 86% of all patent litigation against Operating Companies. The real irony is that most of the patents used by PAEs originated with those same operating companies. Since operating companies are the ones providing most of the assets to PAEs, a private ordered solution is the most efficient to address this issue.
- Dive into the global PAE business, its current trends, and the problems PAEs create for those they sue
- Discuss emerging developments, trends and challenges in litigation funding
- Review how will the Unified Patent Court (UPC) is already increasing NPE litigation in Europe and will continue to do so
- Learn how a private ordered solution is the most efficient way to mitigate this risk
12:45 pm - 1:00 pm
LIGHTNING PRESENTATION: IN REAL TIME – A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BIG DECISIONS (AND HOW TO KEEP UP TO DATE IN THE IP WORLD)
John Flynn -
Associate General Counsel,
IBM
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
LUNCH
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm THINK TANK: THE HIDDEN COSTS OF IP MANAGEMENT - ARE YOU OVERPAYING?
Kelly McManus - Director of Client Relations, Computer Packages Inc.Nathan Dyckes - Client Relations Specialist and Software Trainer, Computer Packages Inc.
This session will shine a light on the often-overlooked expenses and challenges that arise when managing IP portfolios. Participants will share experiences and insights into the hidden costs driving up their IP spend, such as lead causes of missed deadlines & loss of IP rights, foreign filing inefficiencies, unexpected charges, and integration hurdles following acquisitions. The discussion will also highlight the impact of strategic portfolio management, reliable data quality, and targeted automation on cutting these hidden costs. By exploring these themes, attendees will walk away better equipped to optimize their portfolios without compromising on quality or efficiency.
Key Takeaways:
- Utilizing AI & Data Quality as Cost-Saving Tools
- Understand how small data discrepancies can trigger large financial setbacks, from missed deadlines to loss of rights, and discover strategies to ensure reliability and accuracy.
- Streamlining Portfolio Management & Reducing External Expenses
- Learn strategies for identifying high-value IP assets, eliminating unnecessary filings, and refining portfolios to focus resources on impactful investments. Explore tools and methods, including forecasting and planning techniques, to improve financial management while reducing reliance on external services, such as outsourced reporting and portfolio tracking, to enhance control and lower costs.
- Maximizing Efficiency Through Automation & AI
- Discover how automation can reduce manual workloads, streamline processes, and enhance operational efficiency, enabling teams to focus on strategic priorities and improve overall cost-effectiveness.
2:20 pm - 2:50 pm
1:1 BUSINESS MEETINGS
2:35 pm - 2:40 pm
LIVE POLLING
2:40 pm - 3:20 pm
PRESENTATION: TRADEMARK TRICKERY – HOW TARGET UNCOVERED FRAUD UNDERMINING OUR TRADEMARK SYSTEM
Stephen Lee -
Chief IP Counsel,
Target
For a retailer like Target, launching own brands is a crucial part of the business model. From home goods to apparel, each own brand is in essence a standalone business in need of a marketing campaign, labelling, packaging and of course, a trademark to protect its assets. However, following their inability to register a trademark for a new brand, Target discovered a systemic problem: the successful registrations of thousands of fraudulent trademark applications. This emerging threat poses a significant issue for professionals – with a backlogged office and trademarks blocked by prior – fraudulent – applications, legitimate trademark owners are accruing significant costs and resources. Join this session to discover how Target, one of the leading trademark filers domestically and globally, has tackled this issue and is actively raising awareness to ensure the necessary steps are taken to manage fraudulent activity.
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
LIGHTNING DEBATES
A brand-new format for the 2025 Global IP Exchange US, Focus Rooms aim to offer a more niche, personalised angle to your challenges. Before the Exchange, you can opt to submit a problem you are currently facing that you do not see on the agenda – fellow peers will then be invited to gather around and discuss off-the-cuff solutions, sharing expertise and fresh ideas that have the potential to benefit all.
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
PHARMA CORNER
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
1:1 BUSINESS MEETINGS
4:35 pm - 5:05 pm
COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
4:35 pm - 5:05 pm
1:1 BUSINESS MEETINGS
5:10 pm - 5:40 pm
THINK TANK: FROM IDEAS TO REVENUE – UNDERSTANDING, VALUATING AND MONETIZING YOUR IP ASSETS
Brienne Terril -
Senior Director and Senior Managing Counsel, Co-Head of IP Legal,
BNY
Patents and trademarks are viewed as mere protection, without much capacity for profit. In the current economic climate, this can reflect badly on the IP department, which is seen as a cost department. But increasingly, there have been efforts to monetize IP assets in an effort to bring IP to the forefront as a valuable advantage to the business. However, this strategy can also be challenging – the changing nature of the market means that an asset can quickly have its worth reduced, resulting in further challenges. It is one that requires careful consideration and an understanding of IP-backed financing in order to mitigate risk for the business.
- Explore and contrast the different possible streams through which IP assets can generate revenue, from licensing to creating spin-out companies
- Learn to uncover and understand the value of your portfolio and to prioritise patents according to revenue potential
- Weigh in on the benefits of generating revenue with IP assets to raise awareness around the value of IP and its worth throughout the company
5:10 pm - 5:40 pm
1:1 BUSINESS MEETINGS
5:40 pm - 6:25 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: GETTING AHEAD OF THE SCHEME – THE EVOLUTION OF COUNTERFEITING FROM AN IP PROBLEM TO A BUSINESS PROBLEM
Jared Gell -
Manager, Brand Protection,
Reebok
Lauren Dienes-Middlen - Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel - IP, WWE
Caldwell Camero - Associate General Counsel, Global IP & Technology, Fluke
Joshua Benson - Regional Director, BrandShield
Tom Herbst - Consigliere, Arc’teryx
