Letter from INTA 2026 President Deborah Hampton

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As we step into 2026, I’m honored to serve as your INTA President and to welcome you to a year of energy, purpose, and connection. In so many ways, this represents a fresh start for us—not only are we at the start of a new year, we’re at the start of a new committee term with a new committee structure, and will begin implementing our new 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which will guide our advocacy, learning, and member experience in the years ahead.

I’m particularly excited about our first Strategic Directive for the next four years, which calls on us to expand advocacy efforts and continue harmonizing intellectual property (IP) enforcement laws and practices globally.

To this end, I’m now in the process of launching our 2026 Presidential Task Force (PTF), which aims to develop a coordinated and unified IP brand protection and enforcement strategy. It will consider all key stakeholders in the IP lifecycle: internal departments, outside counsel, IP offices, law enforcement, customs, governments, and the judiciary. An IP enforcement coalition like this will mitigate risk and promote protection, stronger competitive positioning, and greater agility in response to market and regulatory changes, as well as contribute to the bottom line. Yes, we’re ambitious!

Beyond our 2026 PTF, my priorities for 2026 are to continue advancing INTA’s advocacy efforts, to promote INTA’s Certificate Programs, to support the successful launch of the new Strategic Plan, and to effectively leverage the platform I have this year to serve as a mentor and role model for the next generation of trademark administrators (TMAs) while also continuing to support existing TMAs.

Of course, I’m very much looking forward to seeing you all in London, England, in early May at our 2026 Annual Meeting. It will be a hallmark moment to connect, collaborate, and do business. With close to 3,300 already registered, this is gearing up to be one of the largest and most significant Annual Meetings in our Association’s history. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to register before early-bird registration closes on February 13. Badging up is not only the right thing to do, but also one of the best ways to support INTA and to show others that you support INTA!

Many of us will also come together in the Big Apple in March for our 2026 New York Conference. Titled The Business of M&A: Navigating the Convergence of Intangible Assets and Capital in the Age of AI, this program is designed for both newcomers and seasoned IP professionals, focusing on the critical role of IP and other intangible assets in modern deal-making. Just as New York City is always exciting to visit, this conference is always a special INTA event. It’s an intimate gathering but a fantastic networking opportunity and features a focused, cutting-edge program that gets us ahead of tomorrow’s challenges. Registration is open and I hope many of you will join us.

On a personal note, what inspires me most about INTA is you—the generosity, curiosity, and professionalism that our members bring to every conversation. I’m committed to being visible and accessible throughout the year—at committee meetings, town halls, the New York Conference, in the corridors in London, and online. If you see me, please say hello; I would love to hear what you’re working on and how INTA can support your goals.

As you think about your goals for the year ahead, please keep this in mind: INTA is a gateway for all IP professionals to learn from each other and grow together. Mentors are plentiful at all levels. The Association has also always been an open door for everyone, whether you’re a newbie, young associate, seasoned lawyer, non-lawyer, or TMA, as I learned during my 30+ year tenure at INTA. We are a family, and we support each other, personally and professionally. This is our greatest strength, and it’s important that we work together to foster community spirit and mentor the next generation of IP professionals.

Thank you for your commitment and passion. Let’s make 2026 a year of progress, collaboration, and shared success and don’t forget to dance like no one is watching!

Sincerely,

Deborah A. Hampton
2026 INTA President

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

© 2026 International Trademark Association