Continental Breakfast in the Innovation Marketplace

Breakfast Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

Board of Directors Meeting (by invitation only)

Board of Directors Luncheon (by invitation only)

Luncheon Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

Career Development Day Workshop (pre-registration required)

 Presented by the Academic Committee

Back in 2024! The 2024-2025 Academic Committee is proud to reintroduce Career Development Day, a workshop designed specifically for students. Immerse yourself in the enriching experience of a panel discussion led by seasoned practitioners and delve into a hands-on training session that provides valuable insights and equips you with specific skillsets crucial for your career journey. This event promises unique opportunities for networking, growth, and professional development.

This workshop is free of charge and open to all Annual Meeting registrants.

Anticounterfeiting Workshop (pre-registration required)

Presented by the Anticounterfeiting Committee

By popular demand and new for 2024, INTA’s Anticounterfeiting Workshop will delve into the complexities of anti-counterfeiting strategies, focusing on the transition from online investigations to offline enforcement. Attend multiple breakout sessions with stakeholders, intermediaries and government officials where participants will learn about the latest tools and techniques used in identifying and tracking counterfeit goods online to their offline supply chains, as well as the legal and practical aspects of enforcement actions where partnership and collaboration are key.

Exclusive to In-House Practitioners and Government Officials.

Registration Fee: US $150

Finance for Non-Finance Legal Professionals Certificate Program (Day 1)

Presented by the Commercialization of Brands Committee

New in 2024! For the first time, the Commercialization of Brands Committee is proud to present the two-day Finance for Non-Finance Certificate Program in person at the 2024 Annual Meeting. We encourage you to attend both days of the workshop to receive in-person instruction for all ten chapters of the Program.

The Saturday portion of the workshop will cover the first four chapters of the Program: Excel for Financial Analysis (Chapter 1), Financial Statements (Chapter 2), Benchmarking and Financial Analysis (Chapter 3), and Time Value of Money (Chapter 4). Students will be able to learn key skills during this portion.

Students will be eligible to take the online tests and final examination after the Annual Meeting at their convenience. Pre-recordings of the instructions for each chapter will also be available for reference. To receive a certificate and an online badge for this program, attendees must take and pass all online tests and the final exam by May 2025.

Instructor: Brian Buss, Director, CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group (USA)

Capacity is limited to 75 registrants.

Registration Fee: US $300 (includes both days)

Annual Meeting First-Time Registrant Orientation and Reception

Presented by the Annual Meeting Programming Subcommittee of the Young Practitioners Committee

Please join the Young Practitioners Committee (YPC) for an informational session and social event to kick start the 2024 INTA Annual Meeting! If this is your first Annual Meeting, you might be thinking to yourself, “What do I need to know about INTA?”; “How do I make the most of the Annual Meeting?”; “How do I meet other first-time attendees?” This event is your go-to event to answer all of your questions, and the YPC looks forward to seeing you there! #INTA2024 #INTAFirstTimers

Agenda:

• 3:30 pm – 3:35 pm: Welcoming remarks from Subcommittee Co-Chairs
• 3:35 pm – 3:45 pm: Quiz among participants
• 3:45 pm – 4:00 pm: How to Navigate the Annual Meeting as a First Timer
• 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Panel on Advice for First-Time Attendees
• 4:30 pm – 4:35 pm: Announcement of quiz winners and closing remarks
• 4:35 pm – 5:30 pm: First Time Registrant Reception

Welcome remarks:

• Marissa Lewis, Partner, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (USA)
• Ethan Vodde, Founding Partner, Vodde IP (USA)

Speakers:

• Erica Rogers, Intellectual Property Attorney, Ward and Smith, P.A. (USA)
• Shyla Jones-Ali, Director of Legal Counsel, Advertising, Marketing & Brand Protection, Charles Schwab (USA)
• Vanessa Halle, Partner, Nico Halle Law (Cameroon)
• Steve Lott, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw (USA)
• Arturo Gonzalez Kettenhofen, Procurement Manager, LEGO Group (Mexico)

Current INTA Board of Directors Reception (by invitation only)

Anticounterfeiting Workshop Reception (by invitation only)

Rising Star Reception (by invitation only)

Continental Breakfast in the Innovation Marketplace

Breakfast Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

Leadership Lab: Training Session for 2024-2025 Committee Leadership

Presented by the Leadership Development Committee

Join this interactive session to have candid conversations with fellow committee leaders about how to successfully kick-off your new committee term. Hear tips and share best practices on leadership expectations, objectives management, and how to sustain the engagement of your committee members throughout the committee term.

Open exclusively to Subcommittee Chairs.

Finance for Non-Finance Legal Professionals Certificate Program (Day 2)

Presented by the Commercialization of Brands Committee

New in 2024! For the first time, the Commercialization of Brands Committee is proud to present the two-day Finance for Non-Finance Certificate Program in person at the 2024 Annual Meeting. We encourage you to attend both days of the workshop to receive in-person instruction for all ten chapters of the Program.

The Sunday portion of the workshop will cover the topic-focused chapters five to ten: Brand and IP Valuation (Chapter 5), and Acquisitions and Financing (Chapter 6), The Financial Aspects of Licensing (Chapter 7), Tax, Financial Reporting (Chapter 8), Trademark Damages (Chapter 9), Budgeting for Law Departments and Law Firms (Chapter 10).

Students will be eligible to take the online tests and final examination after the Annual Meeting at their convenience. Pre-recordings of the instructions for each chapter will also be available for reference. To receive a certificate and an online badge for this program, attendees must take and pass all online tests and the final exam by May 2025.

Instructor: Brian Buss, Director, CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group (USA)

Capacity is limited to 75 registrants.

Registration Fee: US $300 (includes both days)

In-House Practitioners Workshop and Luncheon: INTA’s Guide to the Galaxy of Tackling New In-house Emerging Issues (pre-registration required)

Presented by the In-House Practitioners Committee

Session 1: AI, the Universe, and Everything: Getting to the Finish Line with Practical Tips for Your Brand Lifecycle.

Session 2: So Long, and Thanks for All the Likes: Racing Through the World of Sponsorships, Influencers and Endorsements

Exclusive to In-House Practitioners.

Registration Fee: US $100

Using the USPTO’s Federal Trademark Search System

Searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) trademark database is a key component of a comprehensive clearance search. Are you still learning the new search system? Or are you interested in tips and tricks for upper-level searching? Or are you simply curious how to translate your Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) searching knowledge to the new syntax? Join an expert from the USPTO for a live demonstration and an exploration of basic and advanced search techniques. This training will cover:

• Navigating the search interface
• Simple searching using drop-down menus
• Advanced searching using field tags

The session will close out with a question-and-answer session and direct you to free resources from the USPTO.

Moderator: Lauriel Dalier, Counsel, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. (USA)

Speaker:

• Jason Lott, Managing Attorney for Trademarks Customer Outreach, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USA)

Trademark Scholarship Symposium—Session 1

Presented by the Academic Committee

Business | The New Frontier in Trademark Licensing—the Use of Brands in Video Games

Video games are now played by three billion people all over the world, the number is growing, and all demographics are getting involved. A lot of the consumers that brands would typically reach through traditional media channels are now moving to video games.

In a video game environment, advertising does not need to distinguish between being entertaining and useful—it can be both. Online games featuring character customization allow players to outfit and associate their characters with brands they like and identify with—just like in the real world.

As video games continue to capture the imagination of consumers worldwide, brands are increasingly looking to these games as an engaging and innovative platform to maximize the value of their IP and reach a wider audience. Hear from panelists who run the business of video games and panelists from across industry who have licensed the use of their trademarks to video games on:

• Opportunities, emerging trends, and best practices for the licensing of trademarks in video games
• Lessons learned and considerations of video game studios and brands in leveraging video games as a platform to promote branding and add value to intangible assets
• Evolution of consumer marketing from static ads to interactive and immersive entertainment

Moderator: Trevor Little, Managing Editor, IAM and World Trademark Review (UK)

Speakers:

• Alexandre Rudoni, Partner, Intellectual Property & Litigation, Allen & Overy (France)
• Rozita Tolouey, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, North America, Tencent Games (USA)
• Holly Upgren, Senior Associate Marketing Manager, Corporate Partnerships, Polaris (USA)
• Jaymes Wu, Game Operations Manager, Tencent Games (USA)

Judges’ Panel | All Rise: News from INTA’s IP Court

Join the panel of international judges to get insights on recent cases of interest including on hot topics that promise to shape the local IP jurisprudence.

Moderator: Iris Gunther, Director, Brand Enforcement and Sustainability, INTA (USA)

Speakers:

• Justice Janet Fuhrer, Federal Court of Canada (Canada)
• Judge Naoyuki Iwai, IP High Court of Japan (Japan)
• Judge Young Gi Kim, IP High Court of Korea (Korea)
• Judge Lars Meinhardt, Higher Regional Court Bavaria (Germany)
• Justice Francis Tuiyott, Court of Appeal of Kenya (Kenya)
• Justice Jing Yan, Supreme People’s Court of China (China)

Leadership Lab

Presented by the Leadership Development Committee

As you take on this new committee term, join this interactive session to have candid conversations with fellow committee leaders on how to best manage, support, and guide your respective committees. Share what’s working well in your committee so far, discuss how you identify and support rising stars, and how you set your committee up for success throughout the two-year term.

Open exclusively to Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Subcommittee Chairs.

Conversations on TMA Development and Education—Trademark Administrators Brunch (pre-registration required)

Presented by the Trademark Administrators Committee

Back by popular demand, the 2024-2025 Trademark Administrators Committee is proud to host the TMA Brunch at Annual Meeting.

Join us for a fireside chat at the 2024 INTA Annual Meeting – TMA Brunch for a conversation on learning, professional development, and growth for TMAs.

Speakers:

• Emily Quackenbush, Senior Paralegal, Perkins Coie (USA)
• Gernez Owens, Manager, Lead Paralegal, NBC Universal (USA)
• Leyla Harper-Dominique, Partner, Ideas IP (Haiti)
• Rosa Jimenez, Intellectual Property Manager, Travel + Leisure Co. (USA)

Registration Fee: US $75

Business | The Business of Licensing

Join us for an engaging and insightful panel discussion on the business of trademark licensing, featuring perspectives from industry leaders within consumer products, food and beverage, and more. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and success stories behind successful trademark licensing ventures.

Our esteemed panelists will share their expertise and firsthand experiences in leveraging trademarks to drive business growth and create powerful brand collaborations. Discover how licensing expands the core brand to create immersive brand experiences. Learn from leading trademark brands how they have successfully licensed their brands to create innovative product offerings and enhance their market presence.

Moderator:  Kimberly Kociencki, Chief Executive Officer, Society of Product Licensing Committed to Excellence (SPLiCE) (USA)

Speakers:

• Marsha Schroder, Director Global Merchandising, The Ford Motor Company (USA)

Speed Networking—Session 1

Luncheon Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

IP and Innovation | TM5 User Meeting

The “TM5″ is a framework through which five intellectual property offices namely, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) exchange information on trademark-related matters, and undertake cooperative activities for their mutual benefit, and for the interests of their respective trademark filers and registrants.

In the TM5 user meeting, five offices introduce their Office updates to users. In addition, users can directly inquire about various trademark issues to the representatives of the five offices.

Trademark Scholarship Symposium—Session 2

Presented by the Academic Committee

Business | Conscious Uncoupling—Sandoz Spinoff from Novartis: Practical Business and Legal Tips for Brand Professionals

Join us for an insightful session on the highly publicized spinoff between Novartis and Sandoz, two pharmaceutical giants. This session will delve into the business and legal intricacies surrounding this significant event in October 2023 and discuss the brand-related aspects that brand legal practitioners must know. Gain valuable insights into the intellectual property implications, trademark considerations, and potential legal and business challenges from those who worked behind the scenes to make this deal happen.

Moderator: David Lossignol, Global Head Legal Brand Protection, Novartis (Switzerland)

Speakers:

• Nicholas Foot, Head – Legal Brand Protection, Sandoz International (Germany)

Speed Networking—Session 2

IP and Innovation | Updates by IP Offices from the Asia Pacific

Join us to learn about recent developments from IP offices in Australia, Japan, and Indonesia in their respective jurisdictions. IP Australia will talk about its recent adoption of the Madrid Goods and Services List, their new TM Checker tool, and some of IP Australia’s recent digital improvements in the TM Opposition and Hearings space. Japan Patent Office Japan Patent Office will share highlights from the latest revisions of Japan’s trademark act, updates to its trademark policies, latest trademark application and examination trends, and some of its recent international initiatives. Indonesia’s Directorate General for Intellectual Property (DGIP) will speak about its customs recordal system and latest efforts to combat counterfeiting in the country.

Moderator: Walter Chia, Chief Representative Officer – Asia Pacific, INTA (Singapore)

Speakers:

• Cristy Condon, Director, Oppositions and Hearings, Trade Marks and Designs Group, IP Australia (Australia)
• Takanari Yamashita, Director-General, Trademark and Customer Relations, Japan Patent Office (Japan)
• Brigadier-General Anom Wibowo, Director for Investigations and Dispute Settlement, Directorate General of Intellectual Property (Indonesia)

IP and Innovation | Law Firm Idea Exchange: Using AI to Strengthen Client Relationships and Target New Clients (pre-registration required)

Join the marketing agency Good Rebels and the Technology Subcommittee under the Law Firm Committee as they explore the future of legal communications and the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on law firms. In this session, they will review how AI technologies are reshaping legal communications, marketing strategies to secure new business contacts, and leveraging AI to create engaging content. Following the panel presentation, enjoy benchmark table discussions sharing and learning how law firms are using AI to support their own business development.

Presented by the Law Firm Committee

This Idea Exchange is free of charge and open exclusively to Law Firm practitioners.

IP and Innovation | Ethics for Trademark Attorneys

This session will provide insights into the ethical questions trademark attorneys most often face and the applicable laws in the United States, Latin America, and United Kingdom.

Moderator: Catherine Farrelly, Partner, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC (USA)

Speakers:

• Ricardo Alberto Antequera H, Managing Partner, Antequera Parilli & Rodriguez (Venezuela)
• Austin Chang, Counsel, Beijing East IP (China)
• Tyler Maulsby, Partner, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC (USA)
• Kate Swaine, Partner, Gowling WLG (UK)

TM5 Reception (by invitation only)

Opening Ceremonies

Get ready for an unforgettable start to the 2024 Annual Meeting. The Opening Ceremonies will feature our Co-Chairs alongside the INTA 2024 President, Dana Northcott, and the INTA CEO, Etienne Sanz de Acedo. These esteemed leaders will set the tone for an inspiring and impactful gathering. Join us in welcoming Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as the keynote speaker as we embark on a journey of empowerment, collaboration, and the business of innovation.

Welcome Reception

Join us at our Welcome Reception as we celebrate the beginning of our 2024 Annual Meeting, which will be filled with networking opportunities, camaraderie, and shared experiences. Enjoy the evening surrounded by fellow industry professionals, and distinguished guests.

Continental Breakfast in the Innovation Marketplace

Breakfast Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

NEW! China Enforcement Workshop (pre-registration required)

New in 2024! For the first time, INTA is bringing together the range of enforcement agencies from China for a discussion of how to combat the growing threat of counterfeiting and large-scale trademark and IPR infringements in China. Representatives of State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), Supreme People’s Court (SPC), and leading High Courts from Shanghai, Chongqing Municipalities and Jiangsu Province will share insights and take questions allowing for a comprehensive overview of Chinese enforcement activities and strategies. The Workshop enables participants to catch up with the latest developments, network, and brainstorm creative and proactive solutions across all stakeholders so that no practical improvements are left unexplored.

Moderator: Bo Yu, Partner, QR-IP (China)

Speakers:

• Ke Cao, Chief Judge, Chongqing High People’s Court (China)
• Maoren Tang, Chief Judge, Jiangsu High People’s Court (China)
• Bo Tong, Deputy Director General, Law Enforcement and Inspection Burean, State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) (China)
• Jing Yan, Senior Judge, Supreme People’s Court (China)
• Jiaping Zhu, Judge, Shanghai High People’s Court (China)

Simultaneous translation will be available.

This workshop is open to all Annual Meeting registrants.

Registration Fee: US $100

IP and Innovation | TM5 and INTA Joint Workshop: How to Determine the Likelihood of Confusion at the Examination Stage

For trademark practitioners, the question of whether there is a likelihood of confusion as to the source of their and another person’s trademark is one of the most important points to be considered in obtaining trademark rights. However, it is difficult to accurately comprehend the concepts and judgments on the likelihood of confusion as they differ by country and region. Therefore, this workshop will present valuable information for users on how to determine the likelihood of confusion at the examination stage from each of the TM5 offices, the five largest IP offices in the world.

TM5 is a forum through which the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) exchange information and undertake cooperative activities with the aim to support global business activities through trademark protection.

Speakers:

• Marianna Kondas, IP Cooperation Specialist, European Union Intellectual Property Office (Spain)
• Suzuki Shunya, Assistant Director of the International Cooperation Division, Japan Patent Office (Japan)
• Chen Ying, Consultant, Trademark Office, China National Intellectual Property Administration (China)
• Minsu Yoon, Deputy Director, TM Examination and Policy Division, Korea Intellectual Property Office (Korea)

This workshop is free of charge and open to all Annual Meeting registrants.

IP and Innovation | Green Marks: A Comparative Review of Greenwashing Challenges in Common Law and Civil Law Jurisdictions

Presented by the Brands for a Better Society Committee

Consumer demand for environmentally friendly products and services is increasing exponentially and companies are making efforts to publicize their green credentials. Conversely, regulators, lawmakers, trademark registries, consumer watchdogs, and competitors are becoming more vigilant in relation to the accuracy of such claims. The challenge for green brand owners is to raise awareness of their brands while avoiding making any misleading statements that overstate the related environmental benefits.

In light of recent legislation and future laws that are being debated, this session will focus on the adoption and use of green brands. In particular, the session will examine the hurdles brands may encounter and how best to avoid them when selecting and protecting trademarks that carry an environmental message. The session will have a cross-border lens, reviewing the commonalities and differences between civil and common law jurisdictions.

Moderator: Adjoa Anim, Trade Mark Director, HGF (UK)

Speakers:

• Paolo Lazzarino, Partner, ADVANT Nctm (Italy)
• Ulla Loreth, Teamhead Brand Protection, Puma SE (Germany)
• Emily Lyons, Partner, Husch Blackwell (USA)
• Oliver Morris, Divisional Director of Trade Mark and Design Examination, Legal and Practice, UK Intellectual Property Office (UK)
• Paul Ramara, Partner, Spoor & Fisher (South Africa)

Speed Networking—Session 3

Business | Navigating Conversations with the C-Suite: The Role of IP Counsel as Strategic Advisors

The traditional role of chief IP counsel is to provide guidance on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property matters. Oftentimes, C-suite members see the IP department as a cost center, but as the pace of innovation increases, emerging and non-traditional IP issues are catching the attention of C-suite members more than ever. From AI to viral content, IP counsel are being called upon to provide advice on cutting edge technology, privacy, social media, and even public relations issues. How can IP counsel craft strategies that support the demands of the C-suite?

Building relationships with C-suite members and providing actionable advice has become integral to the role of chief IP counsel. This panel of seasoned IP counsel from a range of industries will explore the opportunities and challenges of balancing business needs, brand concerns, and long-term portfolio strategies. Join this panel of industry experts as they examine best practices and provide unique insights on navigating conversations with the C-suite.

Moderator: Theresa Conduah, Partner, Alston & Bird, LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Lauren Dienes-Meddlen, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, World Wrestling Entertainment (USA)
• Helen Omapas, Senior Counsel, IP, Harman International (USA)
• Aaron Weinzierl, Managing Counsel, IP, United Airlines (USA)

IP and Innovation | Professor’s Panel—To Infinity and Beyond: What is the Proper Scope of Trademark Protection for Characters After Their Copyrights Expire?

Presented by the Academic Committee

In the intricate dance between copyright and trademark law, the transition of works into the public domain marks a pivotal moment, raising questions about the balance between public interest and private rights. As copyright terms expire, literary characters (and their renderings) become accessible for public use, but the trademarks associated with the characters’ names and images may continue to provide some exclusive rights to their holders.  This panel of professors will delve into the complexities at the intersection of trademark protectability and the public domain by discussing the current legal landscape and forward-looking perspectives on how the law should evolve with respect to simultaneously serving the public interest of public domain and protecting consumers from confusion in a post-copyright era.

Moderator: Joel Feldman, Shareholder; Co-Chair, Trademark & Brand Management Group, Greenberg Traurig LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Peter Karol, Professor of Law and Faculty Director, University of New Hampshire (USA)
• Lisa Ramsey, Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law (USA)
• Rami Yanni, Lecturer in Law, USC Gould School of Law (USA)

IP and Innovation | Develop the Leadership Skills You Need to Advance Your Career

Presented by the Leadership Development Committee

In our constantly evolving legal environment, cultivating essential leadership skills is vital for achieving the success you seek in your professional journey.

Join this session and learn how to:

• Develop and leverage your leadership skills to maximize your influence and impact on others.
• Amplify both your individual and team presence within your organizational framework.
• Craft your personal brand – your unique experiences can be an asset to your colleagues and organization.

Moderator: Jennifer Mikulina, Partner, McDermott Will & Emery LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Kailei Carr, CEO, The Asbury Group (USA)
• Stela Comanescu, IP Counsel & Strategist, Ratza & Ratza (Romania)
• Deborah Hampton, Trademark and Copyright Team Leader, Senior Project Manager, The Chemours Company (USA)
• Ray Zhao, Partner, Unitalen Attorneys at Law (China)

Lunch and Learn | Unlocking Your Path to Identifying, Achieving, and Selling Your Vision

Presented by the Professional Development Committee

Are you uncomfortable with marketing yourself to achieve your business goals? Lawyers are typically so focused on the task at hand, it’s often hard to take time to see the big picture and take the steps needed to achieve long term business goals. For law firm attorneys, it’s often the challenge of business development.  For in-house attorneys, it could be strategic goals or “selling” your vision to managers, executives, or your internal business clients. Not sure how to clarify a simple plan, feel like you can’t find the time to commit, or unclear on how to choose between “all the things” you can do to achieve these goals?  Join us for an intensive program to clarify strategic pursuit of your business growth, business goals, potential, or plan, and further unlock your path to professional success.

Registrants in this Lunch and Learn will engage in a series of focused learning segments designed to identify and clarify what you need for and how to achieve business growth and success.  Simple goals, simple steps, simple frameworks, simple tools, and a clear plan on how to reach your business goals.  Through engaging in interactive exercises and practical tools, attendees will walk away with fundamental skills, a deeper understanding and clarity needed for success in business development.

Speaker: Rudhir Krishtel, Founder, Krishtel Coaching (USA)

Registration Fee: US $100

Business | Candid Conversations—What Keeps Me Up at Night: Navigating Pressing Issues in Law Firm Management 

Join us for an insightful and practical exploration of the dynamic world of law firm management with a diverse panel of speakers. Delve into some of the pressing issues confronting managing partners today, ranging from mental health and remote work to innovation strategies and growth pathways. Our panelists, representing a spectrum of global perspectives from both large-scale enterprises and boutique firms, will illuminate the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of legal practice.

Moderator: Anuj Desai, Partner, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Simon Bennett, Partner, Fox Williams LLP (UK)
• John Lewis, Jr., Partner, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP (USA)
• Linda Zhao, Founding Partner, GoldenGate Lawyers (China)

Professors’ Luncheon

Back in 2024! We invite you to join us for the Professors’ Luncheon. Whether you are a full-time or adjunct professor, this luncheon presents an opportunity to network with your colleagues and discuss recent developments in the field.

Speed Networking—Session 4

Luncheon Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

IP and Innovation | Unlocking IP: How to Frame Communication with Non-IP Stakeholders, Customers (and the Clients of Tomorrow!) 

In this capsule keynote, INTA 2023 Presidential Taskforce members will discuss key findings from their exclusive survey into consumer perceptions of brands and brand enforcement, as well as consumer purchasing habits, counterfeit goods and how the public interacts with companies and the media. They will also share specific areas to focus on when communicating to various non-IP stakeholders to increase understanding of the issues facing brands and to maximize the value of IP assets. Finally, they will provide take-aways, including how to positively engage the media on IP issues and how a messaging framework approach can be used by trademark professionals to shape and guide discussions with the C-suites, PR teams, marketing teams, customers, future clients and other non-IP stakeholders.

Moderator: Jomarie Fredericks, Deputy General Counsel, Chief Intellectual Property, and Brand Counsel, Rotary International (USA)

Speakers:

• Trevor Little, Managing Editor, IAM and World Trademark Review (UK)
• Susan Natland, Partner, Knobbe Martens (USA)

Past President and Past Counsel Luncheon (by invitation only)

Speed Networking—Session 5

IP and Innovation | Fireside Chat with USPTO Deputy Director Derrick Brent

Moderator: Jenny Simmons, Associate Senior Director, Government Affairs, INTA (USA)

Speaker:

Derrick Brent, Deputy Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USA)

Business | Decoded: The Business of Digital Assets

What are digital assets? How do they intersect with cryptocurrencies, NFTs, virtual reality, and your client’s business? Master the fundamentals and leverage insights from industry, marketing, tech, and legal professionals. We will feature a global product launch—from idea to digital asset ecosystem. This engaging behind-the-scenes session will help prepare you to lead in the ever-evolving digital asset industry.

Moderator: JoAnn Holmes, Owner, Holmes@Law, LLC (USA)

Speakers:

• Christian Pearson, Co-Founder, Easter Egg Labs (USA)
• Shayna Stewart, Founder, Shown Live (USA)
• Drew Williams, Founder, FanFundr (USA)

IP and Innovation | Professor vs. Practitioner Debate

Presented by the Academic Committee

Go back to school as INTA’s Academic Committee proudly presents the Professor vs. Practitioner debate—an annual event pairing a leading academic mind with an esteemed trademark law practitioner to delve deeply into a timely trademark law topic. This event promises insightful discussions, contrasting viewpoints, and a comprehensive exploration of a provocative trademark issue from both practical and theoretical perspectives. You be the judge in deciding between a client-focused real-world approach and a societal-focused textbook approach to this year’s debate resolution.

Moderator: Joel Feldman, Shareholder, Co-Chair, Trademark & Brand Management Group, Greenberg Traurig LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Timothy Holbrook, Provost’s Professor, University of Denver Sturm College of Law (USA)
• Amanda Hyland, Partner, Taylor English (USA)

IP and Innovation | China Case Law Update

In the dynamic landscape of the China trademark law system, the divergence of the long-drawn-out law amendment drafting and consultation process and real-life practice has given rise to complex legal, regulatory, and strategic challenges. As a result, navigating the case precedents provides a fresh impetus for brand legal practitioners to consider when enforcing their trademarks in China

A few material developments brought about in procedure—the availability of retrial cases heard by the Supreme People’s Court and the availability of suspension of review cases adjudicated by the China National Intellectual Property Administration signal a new dawn for the upcoming law amendment. Join us for this session to learn about recent Chinese case decisions and trends including:

• An overly strict approach of absolute ground examination and intent-to-use requirements.
• State of play in the recognition of well-known marks and co-existence agreements and expanded protection of prior rights.
• Cross-class protection afforded to Geographical Indications, misuse of IP, and keyword-based advertising.
• A rigorous application of base calculation in damages awards, and continuous exploration of criminal incidental civil litigation.

Moderator: Monica Su, Chief Representative Officer, INTA (China)

Speakers:

• Hui Huang, Partner, Management Committee Member, Wanhuida IP (China)
• Christopher Shen, Senior Partner, NTD IP Attorneys (China)
• Carol Wang, Principal, Rouse (China)
• Helen Xia, APAC IPMT Practice Area Leader, Hogan Lovells (China)

IP and Innovation | India Case Law Update

In this session, attendees will get an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts, including visionary judges and leading litigators from India, on several contemporary topics, such as technology and unconventional facets of Intellectual Property, through case law in the country. Our panel will analyze recent trends in jurisprudence related to protection of personality rights, brand placement in movies, disparagement, enforcement of IP rights in the fashion industry, and the controversial use of ChatGPT in judicial proceedings. The panel will also explore policy updates affecting the e-commerce ecosystem in India. Join us for a riveting discussion and gain valuable insights.

Moderator: Gauri Kumar, India and South Asia Consultant, INTA (India)

Speakers:

• Hon’ble Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Judge, Delhi High Court (India)
• Hon’ble Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, Judge, Madras High Court (India)
• Saikrishna Rajagopal, Managing Partner, Saikrishna Associates (India)
• Tanya Varma, Partner, Fidus Law Chambers (India)

Business | This Business of Film and Television: A C-Suite Perspective for 2024 and Beyond

This fireside chat will feature a unique view into the ever-expanding landscape of film and television production from the perspective of industry chief executives. This session provides a forecast for the success of major and independent studios throughout this decade and beyond.

Moderator: Traci V. Bransford, Partner, Parker Poe (USA)

Speakers:

• Kate Atwood, Founder and CEO, LoCo+ (USA)
• Carolyn Pitt, Founder and CEO, Productions.com (USA)
• Mark Swinton, Senior Vice President of Scripted Programming, Tyler Perry Studios (USA)

IP and Innovation | Cross Border Enforcement and Global Routes of Counterfeits: A Multi-Region Perspective

Presented by the Anticounterfeiting Committee

Counterfeit activity continues to be a cross-border, “big picture” issue involving an ever-growing and evolving sophisticated network of bad actors keen to harness known gaps in detection and enforcement in the global trade of counterfeits. Despite obvious differences among industries such as product, customer base, and supply chain structure, rights holders across industries have the common need to keep up with counterfeiters and identify novel and creative approaches to detect and shut down global networks. This session will share perspectives from various industries, intermediaries, and government on both common and unique challenges in the global trade of counterfeits and will offer alternative approaches to add to rights holders’ enforcement playbooks.

Moderator: Lynn Scanlon Hernandez, Senior Counsel, Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Security, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (USA)

Speakers:

• Marissa Bostick, Deputy Director, Counterfeit Crimes Unit, Amazon (USA)
• Jaak Feuggelen, Head of Sector, European Anti-Fraud Office (Belgium)
• Arianna Iacomelli, Head of Offline IP Enforcement, MF Brands Group (Switzerland)
• Bruce Longbottom, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Eli Lilly and Company (USA)

IP and Innovation | IP Office of the Future: Achieving Financial Sustainability

Are you interested in exploring how IP offices can achieve and sustain financial stability? Join us for an informative session led by former heads of IPOs that will delve into the essential components of financial leadership, analyze current industry trends, and explore how to set sustainable fees. Get to know the rationale behind official fees and their relationship to how an office functions and implements public programs. Drawing upon their collective experience, the speakers will provide a potential roadmap for effective financial management. Participants will gain valuable insights for navigating financial challenges and succeeding in any industry.

Speakers:

• Andy Bartlett, Deputy CEO and Director of Services, UK Intellectual Property Office (UK)
• Martin Correa Finsterbusch, Senior Counsellor for the Future of Intellectual Property, World Intellectual Property Organization (Switzerland)
• Konstantinos Georgaras, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Intellectual Property Office (Canada)
• David Kappos, Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP (USA)

IP and Innovation | Similarity, AI, Ranking, and Beyond: How New Technologies Play a Role in Determining Likelihood of Confusion

The China Trademark Association (CTA), together with experts from different sectors, is pleased to present the latest developments on determining likelihood of confusion, sharing with you how far we’ve come with the help of new technologies. The speakers will discuss the traditional way that likelihood of confusion is decided in China’s trademark prosecution and litigation practice, the role of data and AI in determining the similarity of compared trademarks, and how technology can help you choose the best IP firm in China for your needs.

Moderator:

• Gang Hu, Board Member and Deputy General Manager, China Patent Agent (H.K.) Ltd. (Hong Kong)

Speakers:

• Dongping Wu, Secretary General, China Trademark Association (China)
• Lei Zhang,Trademark Attorney, China Patent Agent (H.K.) Ltd. (Hong Kong)
• Terry Zhang, Founder and CEO, Mozlen Technology Co., Ltd. (China)
• Xuan Zhang, CEO, IPHOUSE Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. (China)

Government Officials Reception (by invitation only)

Join INTA’s leadership and government officials from around the world for a reception thanking these officials for their dedication and support of the trademark community. In addition, this reception allows officials to share information and best practices with their colleagues in the trademark community.

We will be hosting three separate regional receptions during this time:

• Africa Reception
• China Reception
• India Reception

Network with colleagues and share experiences of doing business in these regions. These are the must-attend receptions for those in the INTA community who want to be plugged into our extensive network in one of these regions. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with INTA staff.

In-House Practitioners Reception

Join fellow in-house practitioners and corporate trademark professionals for cocktails and light refreshments during this exclusive networking opportunity.

Exclusive to In-House Practitioners.

INTA Political Action Committee (PAC) Reception

Join us and show your support for the International Trademark Association Political Action Committee (INTA PAC)! A contribution for this event will be used to support the campaigns of U.S. federal candidates identified by the INTA PAC Board as having shared interests with the trademark community.

Speakers:

• Rep. Hank Johnson, USA
• Hannah Peters Siegfried, F. Schumacher & Co., USA

To attend and contribute, you must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder who is:

1. Registered for the 2024 Annual Meeting; and
2. An individual of an Associate Member (law firms); or
3. Affiliated with a Corporate Member that has been provided a prior approval form for INTA to solicit the Corporate Member’s personnel who are U.S. citizens or Green Card holders; or
4. An officer or executive of INTA that is otherwise not in categories 1 or 2 above.

INTA accepts both personal checks and those drafted from INTA member firm accounts, as well as all major credit cards. Only non-reimbursed contributions to INTA PAC will be accepted. Donations can also be made online before the reception. Contributions to INTA PAC are not deductible for income tax purposes.

President’s Dessert Reception (by invitation only)

Continental Breakfast in the Innovation Marketplace

Breakfast Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

IP and Innovation | Recent Legislative Updates from Japan and Best Practice Sharing 

Moderator: Hiro Maruoka, Anti-counterfeit Specialist, Japan Patent Office (Japan)

Speakers:

• Toshiaki Miyakawa, Legal Consultant (Attorney-at-Law), Japan Patent Office (Japan)

IP and Innovation | Moving Forward Together: Celebrating the Progress of Women as We Chart a Course for the Future 

Presented by the Women’s LeadershIP Initiative

Join us for a fireside chat as leaders reflect on the changes in the workplace that have accelerated the advancement of women. While celebrating the progress made, there is still work to be done. Hear tips and takeaways from speakers on the expansion of opportunities for women from a structural and societal point of view.

Moderator: Lara Kayode, Owner and Managing Partner, O. Kayode & Co. (Nigeria)

Speakers:

• Adraea Brown, Assistant General Counsel—Trademarks, Harley-Davidson (USA)
• Isabella Cardozo, Partner, Daniel Law (Brazil)
• Lisa Jakob, Managing Counsel, Trademark Group, Merck (USA)
• Linda Wang, Partner, Zico IP (Malaysia)

IP and Innovation | IP and Recession

Following the pandemic and recent recession, it seems timely for us to discuss IP (primarily trademarks) and recession. Speakers in this capsule keynote will set the stage by discussing how to identify what a recession is, when it may be coming, and its financial impact on trademark portfolios. They will then turn to how both law firms and corporate practitioners can prepare for future recessions and the various factors that should be considered. Lastly, they will discuss how technology can and does play a role in how the trademark industry deals with a recession, focusing on the recent INTA survey on technology. This session is sure to touch on important issues for associate and corporate practitioners alike!

Moderators:

• Meera Chature Sankhari, Co-founder & Partner, Jupiter Law Partners (India)
• Tanya Fickenscher, Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Major League Baseball (USA)

Speakers:

• Barry L. Cohen, Partner, Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC (USA)
• Alban Kwan, Regional Director, East Asia, CSC Digital Brand Services (Hong Kong)
• Donna Short, Partner, Addisons (Australia)

IP and Innovation | The Intersection of Branding and Indigenous Rights: A Stakeholder Panel Discussion

Presented by the Indigenous Rights Committee

What are indigenous rights and what form do they take? Who owns these rights—and who gets to decide who owns these rights? What responsibilities do brand owners have in relation to indigenous rights? How are governments addressing indigenous rights? What types of agreements govern the protections and use of indigenous rights?

As awareness and advocacy for indigenous rights grows, brand owners and government entities face issues about protection and use. Our panel discussion will delve into these issues and how legal and ethical concerns drive the conversation about indigenous rights and will present a case study involving “Cherokee Glass Gem Corn” and how one industry began self-policing. Join us for this session as we raise awareness about the issues connected to indigenous rights and the challenges and solutions for brand owners. Our panel includes a representative from an indigenous community and a representative from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Moderator: Jake Wharton, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Susan Anthony, Attorney Advisor, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USA)
• Monique Couture, Partner, Gowling WLG (Canada)
• Joshua Hopping, Director of Operations, Brand Protection, Huski.ai, Corsearch (USA)
• Trevor Reed, Professor of Law, Arizona State University (USA)

IP and Innovation | Trademark Use and Advertising: Navigating Brand Restrictions

Presented by the Brand Restrictions Committee

In the context of brand restrictions, this panel session titled “Trademark Use and Advertising” aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between advertising regulations and brand limitations. The session will explore the challenges faced when determining whether advertising restrictions should be considered as brand restrictions.

The panel will provide an insightful overview of a resolution passed in March of this year, focusing on its background, the underlying need for such a resolution, and the ultimate objective it aims to achieve. Esteemed contributors who played a significant role in shaping the resolution have graciously accepted to be part of this panel, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.

Through open and unbiased discussions, the session will delve into the complexities surrounding trademark use and advertising, addressing the blurred lines between restrictions imposed on advertising practices and their impact on brand identity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the evolving legal landscape and the implications for businesses and consumers alike.

Moderator: Myrtha Hurtado Rivas, General Counsel Brands and Marketing Properties, Anti-Counterfeiting & Licensing, Nestlé (Switzerland)

Speakers:

• Thilo Agthe, Partner, Wuersch & Gering LLP (USA)
• Lorraine Fleck, Principal, Fleck Innovation Law (Canada)

Speed Networking—Session 6

Leadership Lab: Training Session for 2024-2025 Committee Leadership

Presented by the Leadership Development Committee

Join this interactive session to have candid conversations with fellow committee leaders about how to successfully kick-off your new committee term. Hear tips and share best practices on leadership expectations, objectives management, and how to sustain the engagement of your committee members throughout the committee term.

Open exclusively to Subcommittee Chairs.

Business | Demystifying IP: Strategies for Effective Communication by Heads of IP to the General Counsel

In an increasingly complex legal landscape, the role of Intellectual Property (IP) continues to grow in importance, presenting both opportunities and challenges for organizations. This panel brings together seasoned General Counsel from various industries to shed light on effective communication strategies for Heads of IP. The discussion will focus on translating the intricate world of IP, including trademarks and other IP assets, into digestible, actionable insights for General Counsel. Panelists will share their experiences, best practices, and practical tips on fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of IP’s strategic value, even in contexts where there is a limited foundational knowledge of IP.

Moderator: Micheal Binns, Director and Associate General Counsel, Head of Patents & Trade Secrets, Meta (USA)

Speakers:

• Hadiya Claxton, Chief Legal Officer and Global General Counsel, McIlhenny Company/Tabasco Brand (USA)
• Timothy Phillips, General Counsel, American Cancer Society (USA)
• Willie Hernandez, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, International, The Coca-Cola Company (USA)

IP and Innovation | Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

Presented by the Professional Development Committee

We all have conversations in the workplace that we dread, find unpleasant, awkward, or try to avoid.  This is particularly so when the matter at stake is important, the outcome uncertain, or our self-esteem may be implicated; for example, asking for a raise, giving a critical performance review, saying no to a colleague who needs assistance with a project, negotiating with opposing counsel, or responding to a client complaint about a bill.  We practice the conversation over and over in our head, trying to figure out what to say in advance and then wondering afterwards what we should have said differently.  Sound familiar?

Join us for a dynamic and engaging discussion as we explore what it is that makes these conversations difficult, why we avoid them, and why we often handle them poorly.  Then, we will learn how to develop an effective approach, mindset, and strategy to make these conversations easier.

Moderator: Ilene Tannen, Of Counsel, Jones Day (USA)

Speakers:

• Jenn Deal, Owner, Jenn Deal Coaching (USA)

IP and Innovation | IP Attache Roundtable

Join us for the latest trademark issues facing IP attachés based in Brazil, China, Europe and India.

Speakers:

• Deborah Lashley-Johnson, Acting Director of the IP Attaché Program, USPTO (USA)
• David Kellis, IP Attaché, U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (USA)
• Duncan Willson, Senior Attorney, Office of Policy and International Affairs, USPTO (USA)
• Gabriele Gagliani, IP Specialist, Office of the IP Attaché in Brussels, U.S. Mission to the European Union (USA)
• John Cabeca, IP Counselor, US Embassy in New Delhi, India (USA)

IP and Innovation | WIPO IP Services—User Meeting: Updates on the Madrid and Hague Systems, and Global Database Tools

Business | Legal Services 2.0: Pricing and Procurement in Tomorrow’s Tech-Forward Legal Landscape

Join our panel as we explore the evolving landscape of pricing and procuring legal services in tomorrow’s tech-forward legal landscape. Discover how advancements in technology are disrupting traditional pricing models and procurement strategies. Gain insights into alternative pricing approaches and fee arrangements that accommodate the efficiencies gained through tech tools. Whether you’re a legal professional, a business development executive, or a services provider, this session offers essential guidance for navigating the changing dynamics of legal service procurement.

Moderator: Tiffany Valeriano, Senior Manager, KPMG (Germany)

Speakers:

• Mary-Olga Lovett, Partner, King & Spalding (USA)
• Jeremy Newman, Chief Commercial Officer, Rouse (UK)
• Kurt Grasinger, Director of Legal Operations, Cox Enterprises (USA)

Leadership Bootcamp: All You Need To Know, You Already Know (by invitation only)

Presented by the Leadership Development Committee

Why, then would you attend this workshop when you already know the content? Because until knowledge is regularly put into practice, it’s easy to forget you have it and readily call it into action. Seasoned leaders can fall into a groove and overlook how to keep growing as leaders. Exercise your leadership knowledge muscle memory and come ready to actively participate – this is a workshop! (we promise…no trust falls). Tina Chadwick (Miller Zell) will take the group through inventive ways to bring out each of your innate adaptive leadership skills, to enrich the whole room. Chadwick is a Harvard Business School alumna and seasoned leader with 30 years of helping brands transform and grow. Her thought leadership has appeared on CNN, NPR and she has a live stream Speaker Series hosting top retail leaders.

Speed Networking—Session 7

Luncheon Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

Former Board Member Luncheon (by invitation only)

IP and Innovation | IP and Bill 96:  When Doing Business in Quebec, Canada is Not So Simple

On June 1, 2022, the Québec government passed An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (“Bill 96”), which introduced important amendments to the Charter of the French Language, including changes affecting the “recognized trademark” exception that will come into force on June 1, 2025. The impact of Bill 96 is and will be felt by all businesses that sell their products or offer their services in Canada, including in Quebec. Join us to gain insights on how to prepare for and navigate the coming changes.

Moderator: Christian Bolduc, Principal/Director, Smart & Biggar (Canada)

Speakers:

• Kimberly Eberwine, General Counsel and Senior Director, Canada Government Relations, Procter & Gamble (Canada)

Business | Domain Blocking: How it Works and Why You Should Be Using It

In today’s ever-changing digital world, brands are faced with a diverse range of challenges when protecting their IP online. Whether it’s phishing attacks or numerous other scams that leverage the brand’s established market awareness, corporate identity impersonation has become an enormous challenge. Domain blocking is a tool that can help brands prevent some of these challenges.

Join us for this engaging panel session as we discuss what domain blocking is, how it works, how it could help protect brands, and when should it be used.

Speaker: Tony Kirsch, Commercial Director, GlobalBlock (Australia)

IP and Innovation | Annual Review of Leading Case Law in Europe

Plan to attend this popular INTA event and hear Trademark Reporter authors Tom Scourfield, Jordi Güell, and Alicja Zalewska-Orabona deliver a concise analysis of key decisions rendered by courts in 2023 (and thereafter) in the European Union (at both the EU and national levels), the United Kingdom, and other European jurisdictions. And be sure to check out the Annual Review of European Trademark Law: 2023 in Review, published in the TMR, Vol. 114, No. 2.

Speakers:

• Jordi Güell, Partner, Güell IP (Spain)
• Tom Scourfield, Co-Head of the International IP Group and UK Chair of the Consumer Products Sector Group, CMS (United Kingdom)
• Alicja Zalewska-Orabona, Partner, CMS (Poland)

IP and Innovation | Innovation and AI in Latin America and the Caribbean: What’s in Store for Corporations and Law Firms

Presented by the Global Advisory Council for Latin America and the Caribbean

This one-hour session will provide a current overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices and policy developments in the region. How businesses are integrating AI in their daily operations and strategies as well as policymakers’ approach to this phenomenon—if any—are some of the topics to be touched upon by experts in the field. The discussion will develop along two topics:

• Current Landscape in Latin American and the Caribbean about AI Adoption by IP professionals: This part of the session will provide an overview of the current state of AI adoption by law firms and in-houses daily. Are companies encouraging employees to use AI technologies? Are they informing their clients in what processes they are using AI tools and what are the benefits foreseen? The discussion will highlight trends and developments in the use of AI for trademark searches, brand protection, and other IP-related activities, among other things. Speakers will also address the role that AI could play in corporations’ strategies for brand protection in the region.
• AI and policy developments in Latin America and the Caribbean: Countries that are ahead in adopting specific public policies and legislation on AI, and trends in discussions among leaders in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region will be underscored in this part of the session. The specific challenges of AI adoption, considering regulatory, cultural, and technical aspects will be part of the debate.

Moderator: Jose Antonio Arochi, Associate, Arochi & Linder (Mexico)

Speakers:

• Paula Fernandez Pfizenmaier, Head of IP, Mercado Libre (Argentina)
• Keesha Fleming-Lake, Managing Attorney, Complete Intellectual Property Services (Anguilla)

IP and Innovation | Digital Transformation and the Role of IPOs: An Update from the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI)

Throughout the 21st century, entities in nearly all sectors, including Governments, continue to adopt digital technologies to transform and elevate how they conduct their businesses and offer their services. Intellectual Property Offices are no different as they continue to lead by example and demonstrate how digital transformation can be applied to government services with the purpose of improving their efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

Join us for this session as we hear from the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) on the recent achievements and changes that have taken place in their organization, as well as perspectives of an IP practitioner and corporate member in Africa on how digital transformation has impacted the IP ecosystem in the region.

Moderator: Lorna Mbatia, Partner, CFL Advocates (Kenya)

Speakers:

• Magui Nnoko, Director of Prospective and Cooperation, African Intellectual Property Organization (Cameroon)
• Gael Tchouba, Managing Attorney, Citadel Law Firm (Cameroon)
• Ifeoma Utah, General Manager, Commercial Legal, MTN Nigeria Communications PLC (Nigeria)

Business | Athlete Empowerment through NIL: Business Perspectives

This session is intended to be an interactive discussion focusing on NIL – opportunities and challenges for athletes. NIL is the common denominator for maximizing opportunities to protect and monetize name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, which are protected by state Right of Publicity (RoP) laws and federal trademark laws.

Moderator: Bruce Siegal, Of Counsel, Greenspoon Marder LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Jim Cavale, Founder and Chairman, Athletes.org (USA)
• David Foster, Deputy General Counsel, National Basketball Players Association (USA)
• Flau’jae Johnson, Athlete and Recording Artist, LSU (USA)
• Keith Marshall, Co-Founder and CEO, The Players’ Lounge (USA)
• Donald Woodard, Founding Partner, Carter + Woodard (USA)

Speed Networking—Session 8

Leadership Bootcamp #2

Presented by the Leadership Development Committee

Additional details to follow.

IP and Innovation | Domain Enforcement: New Practice Tools for New Challenges

Presented by the Internet and Data Protection Committee

This session will explore new tools that have been developed to request information regarding the owners and administrators of domain names in light of the limitations of WHOIS lookups. As a result of ICANN’s response to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, registrars and registries are no longer contractually required to publish ownership information or contact details including the names of legal entities. Further, there is no central source from which to request information nor is there any guarantee that access will be granted to the requested information. All of the decision making has therefore been left in the hands of the registrars and registries to perform the balancing test that is required under the GDPR and other privacy regimes. To remedy the inability to obtain this information under post-GDPR changes as well as to investigate and remedy abusive registration and use of domain names, new tools have been developed to simplify information requests and create centralized structures for submitting such requests. Our panel for this session will describe and provide insight into the benefits and limitations of some of these tools, such as ICANN’s new Registration Data Request System (RDRS), the Domain Name System Abuse Institute’s (DNSAI) NetBeacon, and the Registrar Stakeholder Group’s (RrSG) Abuse Contact IDentifier (ACID) Tool. The panel will also highlight the current and new tools for enforcing trademark rights in the domain name system. Practitioners will walk away with knowledge of new tools for gathering and reporting information regarding domain name abuse.

For those with questions regarding ICANN’s RDRS pilot, one of the other Registrant Information request services, how to file RDRS requests, or other tools for enforcing trademark rights on the Internet, or if you want to follow-up questions for the Domain Enforcement panel, this session will be followed by an “Office Hour” (5:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Meet and speak with the moderator and panelists plus special guests Dr. Steven Crocker, Founder, Edgemoor Research Institute, Former Chair, ICANN (USA) and Patrick Flaherty, Head of Global IP Law & Policy Group, Verizon (USA).

Moderator: Michael Graham, Senior IP Consultant, GnosisIP (USA)

Speakers:

• Odeline MacDonald, Associate General Counsel, European Data Protection, ICANN (Belgium)
• Phil Marano, Counsel, Greenberg Traurig, LLC (USA)
• Owen Smigelski, Head of ICANN Compliance & Relations, Namecheap, Inc. (USA)

IP and Innovation | Changing the Game of Fame: How Business and Communication Trends are Reshaping What it Means to be a Famous and Well-Known Trademark

Presented by the Famous and Well-Known Marks Committee

Brand owners face growing challenges protecting their trademarks in today’s global marketplace; this is particularly true for owners of famous and well-known trademarks (FWKMs) who may see the growth in the popularity of their mark outpace their ability to protect it. There is both a lack of harmonization in how trademark systems protect FWKMs and gaps in how those systems determine whether a mark is considered famous or well-known. For example, cross-border e-commerce and social networking communication trends that can propel a trademark to significant recognition even before a mark is used in a jurisdiction are often not understood by local IP offices and/or courts or are treated differently across jurisdictions. The lack of uniform and updated approaches hinders global protection of FWKMs to the disadvantage not just of brand owners but to consumers as well. This session provides a chance for regional and international experts to share overviews of FWKM systems across the world, highlight whether and how these systems reflect today’s business and communication trends, and discuss the challenges faced by FWKM owners—and how INTA and its members can promote change.

Moderator: Kelly Thompson, Partner, Adams & Adams (South Africa)

Speakers:

• Joel Blank, Global IP Policy and Advocacy Consultant (USA)
• Karla Hughes, Head of Trademark and Design Prosecution, Allen & Overy (Ireland)
• Minsu Yoon, Deputy Director, TM Examination and Policy Division, Korea Intellectual Property Office (Korea)

INTA Foundation Reception

Experience the thrill of sports and philanthropy at our upcoming INTA Foundation Sports-themed fundraiser! Join us for an afternoon of excitement while championing a noble cause through the joy of sports. Your generosity helps support our mission is to empower diverse and underrepresented populations globally by creating educational and professional development opportunities in the field of IP. Get ready for an auction featuring sports-related items that will add an extra dash of excitement to the event! Register today and join us for an unforgettable afternoon in support of a worthy cause!

Registration Fee: US $100 (onsite fee US $125)

Legal Resources Contributor Reception (by invitation only)

We will be hosting three separate regional receptions during this time:

• Asia Pacific Reception
• Latin America and Caribbean Reception
• Middle East Reception

Network with colleagues and share experiences of doing business in these regions. These are the must-attend receptions for those in the INTA community who want to be plugged into our extensive network in one of these regions. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with INTA staff.

Patent Professionals Networking Reception

Are you a patent professional, or do you spend any time working with patent professionals? If so, please join us for a cocktail and an opportunity to mingle with other registrants with similar patent interests and backgrounds.

Continental Breakfast in the Innovation Marketplace

Breakfast Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

IP and Innovation | Product Design Clearance and Search Strategies

Not all companies clear product designs of preexisting industrial design rights before they bring them to market, relying instead on their knowledge of the industry to feel confident they are avoiding infringement. However, some companies want that added assurance that a search provides. This session will cover the considerations of clearing a new product design and will discuss some of the latest online artificial intelligence search tools.

Moderator: Yoon Cho, Partner, Y.P. Lee, Mock & Partners (Korea)

Speakers:

• Marie Farges, Client Solutions Specialist Manager, Questel (France)
• Susanna Heurung, Partner, Maiwald IP (Germany)
• Jacquelyn Knapp, Senior Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property and Marketing, ASICS America Corporation (USA)

IP and Innovation | Level Up: Elevating Brands Through IP Reporting

Are you interested in more effectively communicating the importance of your brand to internal and external stakeholders, or better understanding how – or if – IP value is reported on your company’s balance sheet? Join us to learn about key insights from the 2022 Presidential Task Force (PTF), which focused on corporate and financial IP reporting for brands. The panelists, who led the work of the PTF, will dive into the findings and recommendations of the PTF’s recently issued report, which includes practical checklists for practitioners interested in leveling up their practice through improved reporting on brand value and IP rights. The panel will also share insights into the challenges presented by existing financial IP reporting requirements and brand valuation standards, and INTA’s outreach efforts to address those challenges.

Moderator: Ashley Krause, Vice President & Assistant General Counsel, RE/MAX, LLC (USA)

Speakers:

• John Plumpe, Managing Director, Epsilon Economics (USA)
• Katie Sullivan, Senior Counsel, Whirlpool Properties, Inc. (USA)

IP and Innovation | Decoding Copyright in the Era of ChatGPT: Generative AI and Copyright Law

The technical developments in the field of generative AI are breathtaking. This raises a number of copyright issues that must be addressed with human intelligence: To what extent may copyrighted works be used for training AI applications? Can the output of AI applications be protected by copyright? If so, who is the author? This session, presented by the Copyright Committee, will delve into the intricate overlapping worlds of generative AI and copyright. The focus will be on current developments in case law and legislation in key jurisdictions, including the U.S., the EU, and beyond.

Moderator: Julian Waiblinger, Partner, NORDEMANN (Germany)

Speakers:

• Joseph Gratz, Partner, Morrison Foerster (USA)
• Atsushi Okada, Partner, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (Japan)
• Catherine Zaller Rowland, Vice President & General Counsel, Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (USA)

IP and Innovation | Arbitration of Trademark Disputes: The Nuts and Bolts of the Process and Why to Use Arbitration

Presented by Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

This session will feature experts in intellectual property arbitration, particularly trademark matters, representing key international jurisdictions, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Panelists will give a brief overview of arbitration practices in their jurisdictions, and a moderator-led discussion will follow. The discussion will focus on the following issues: how trademark arbitration works as a practical matter; arbitration agreements in trademark licenses; psychological considerations including cultural differences across borders; and evaluation of the benefits and limitations of arbitration in trademark disputes.

Moderator:  Efraín Olmedo, Counsel, Santamarina + Steta (Mexico)

Speakers:

• Philipp Groz, Partner, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd (Switzerland)
• Stewart Mesher, Partner, K&L Gates LLP (USA)
• Girija Krishan Varma, International Certified Mediator (India)

IP and Innovation | Digital Advertising Unpacked: How It Works in a World Where Privacy Is Paramount

Presented by the Building Bridges Committee

Have you ever wondered how an ad ended up being displayed on your phone, connected TV, or website? Our panelists for this session will unpack the complex processes for how digital ads are bought, sold, selected, and delivered. Through the use of examples, you will see how the advertising technology (known as “AdTech”) ecosystem works, including its pipelines, the types of businesses using those pipelines and where personal information is leveraged in these processes. Panelists will also explore how privacy laws apply and what the digital advertising industry is doing to bring greater transparency, accountability, and interoperability around privacy.

Moderator: Brooke Singer, Partner, Davis & Gilbert LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Henrique Fabretti Moraes, Partner, Opice Blum Advogados (Brazil)
• Michael Hahn, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, International Advertising Bureau (USA)
• Mark Webber, US Managing Partner, Field Fisher (USA)

Speed Networking—Session 9

Leadership Lab 

Presented by the Leadership Development Committee

As you take on this new committee term, join this interactive session to have candid conversations with fellow committee leaders on how to best manage, support, and guide your respective committees. Share what’s working well in your committee so far, discuss how you identify and support rising stars, and how you set your committee up for success throughout the two-year term.

Open exclusively to Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Subcommittee Chairs.

Business | A View from the CIO’s Office: The Use of AI, Data, and Intellectual Property to Accelerate Business

Artificial intelligence continues to be a hot topic, and there is no AI without massive infusions of data into the models that drive them. That data may come from many disparate sources, some with clear IP underpinnings, privacy obligations, ownership interests, and commercialization opportunities. Join us for an engaging and insightful panel discussion with Chief Information Officers, and senior in-house counsel leaders working in the technology and IP space as we get their perspective on how they see their respective businesses accelerating by: (a) incorporating the use of AI and (b) maximizing the value of data within the enterprise.

Moderator: Janine Bowen, Partner, Baker Hostetler (USA)

Speakers:

• Sharay Erksine, Chief Information Officer, Atlanta Community Food Bank (USA)
• DeWayne Griffin, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Insight Global (USA)
• Amir Kazmi, Chief Information and Digital Officer, WestRock Company (USA)
• Susan Shook, Senior Vice President for Digital and Data Assets, McKesson Corporation (USA)

IP and Innovation | AI in the Practice of IP

Presented by the Law Firm Committee

In this law firm-focused session, we will highlight the AI tools available to assist lawyers in their legal practice. Areas of discussion will include legal research and e-discovery, drafting, legal analysis and strategy, and enhancing responsiveness. Learn how to use AI to your advantage and become more efficient and productive in your practice.

Moderator: Keith Medansky, Partner, DLA Piper (USA)

Speakers:

• Pablo Arredondo, Vice President, Thomson Reuters (USA)
• Barclay Blair, Sr. Managing Director, AI Product Innovation, DLA Piper (USA)
• Darren Meale, Partner, Simmons & Simmons (UK)

Business | Candid Conversations with Leading DEI Voices

This panel will candidly and authentically discuss the critical role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in trademark and brand management and how inclusive and equitable practices supported by diverse voices can foster innovation, drive market relevance, and enhance brand perception in a global marketplace.  Panelists will share insights on integrating DEI principles into brand strategy, overcoming systemic barriers to inclusivity within key industries, and sharing personal observations of inclusivity leading to transformative outcomes in brand recognition and loyalty.

Moderator: Kimberly Gatling, Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Fox Rothschild LLP (USA)

Speakers:

• Jason Aidoo, Vice President, Content Business Strategy and Operations, Andscape (USA)
• Lydia Smith, Chief Diversity Officer, Victoria’s Secret (USA)

Speed Networking—Session 10

Luncheon Table Topics

Table Topics provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a small group setting to discuss topics of interest. Table Topics are moderated two-hour discussions taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Registration Fee: US $85

IP and Innovation | Annual Review of U.S. Federal Case Law and TTAB Developments

Plan to attend this INTA annual favorite and hear Trademark Reporter (TMR) authors Ted Davis and John L. Welch deliver a concise analysis of key decisions rendered by U.S. courts and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board for the year of Lanham Act administration (approximately July 2022–June 2023) and thereafter. And be sure to check out the United States Annual Review: The Seventy-Sixth Year of Administration of the Lanham Act of 1946, published in the TMR, Vol. 114, No. 1.

Speakers:

• Ted Davis, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (USA)
• John L. Welch, Counsel, Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C. (USA)

2024 Annual Meeting Project Team Reception (by invitation only)

Grand Finale

Don’t miss your last opportunity to network at the 2024 INTA Annual Meeting!

Join us at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Grand Finale where we want to see a grand display of your favorite sporting camaraderie. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual supporter, wear something representing your favorite sports team and have fun with your friends and colleagues. You can wear anything from jerseys to caps, scarves, or your favorite team’s colors. Let’s unite in a sea of team colors and make a statement at the Grand Finale!

Registrants must wear their badge to access the event. Additional details to follow.