How I Maximize My INTA Membership: Interview with Orietta Blanco

Orietta Blanco, Miniño (Dominican Republic)

Orietta Blanco (Miniño, Dominican Republic) credits being an INTA member with giving her “a voice” within the community and “opening many doors.” As managing partner at the law firm, she also credits the Association with providing valuable resources and opportunities to network with colleagues around the world.

Ms. Blanco has been an active member of INTA since 2002. She has participated in various committees over the years and is currently serving her second consecutive term on the Brands and Innovation Committee.

In an interview with the INTA Bulletin, Ms. Blanco shares how she and her firm maximize their membership in the Association.

How has being an INTA member helped you in your professional career?
As an IP lawyer coming from a small developing country, I have found that INTA has played an important role in my professional career and has helped me in many ways.

It has helped me to keep current on legal trends and updates and to learn from colleagues in other markets, governments, and associations—providing insights that I have been able to share with local private and public organizations. It has also given me a voice within the community, allowing me to have an impact in our industry at an international level. And, it has given me the opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world, which has been a major asset in my career. Having such a diverse network of professionals has opened many doors and provided many learning opportunities.

Apart from attending the Annual Meeting, how does your firm maximize its membership throughout the year?
We actively participate in committees, as well as in projects and task forces as the opportunities arise. Currently, three members of our team are working on committees during the 2022–2023 Committee Term. We have all served in leadership roles in our respective committees. I would say this is one of the best ways to maximize your membership as it gives you the opportunity to network, meet new people and learn from them, and at the same time produce great work that is not only relevant to INTA but also to you, your clients, and your organization.

We also make use of the resources available to members, such as the Practice Guides, articles, podcasts, etc., and actively participate in pro bono activities through INTA.

Can you share an example of a challenge IP professionals and brand owners are facing, and how INTA is helping address that challenge?
Brand restriction is one of the biggest challenges brand owners and IP professionals have been facing in recent years. INTA has played an active role in providing education about the important role trademarks play in the economy and the need for balanced regulations.

In 2020, INTA introduced the Brand Restrictions Committee. This Committee is very active in advocating for brand owners’ rights and informing policy makers of the importance of trademarks and balanced regulations and public health-related issues. INTA recently published the Brand Restrictions Study: A View from Gen Zers and Millenials, which provides great insights on the impact such measures have on brands and consumers.

In addition, on this issue, INTA passed a Board resolution, submitted an amicus brief in Chile, issued comments in several countries on brand restriction regulations, and has organized multiple panels at INTA events and participated in panels at events of other IP organizations—recently at the ASIPI Annual Meeting—to provide education regarding the impact of brand restriction.

In sum, why should brand owners and IP law firms join the Association?
As the largest association of brand owners and IP professionals, with more than 6,400 organizations in 185 countries, representing more than 34,000 professionals, it is, with no doubt, the most relevant group in our sector. INTA plays an important role as an influential global organization that aims to protect the social value of brands.

Any brand owner or professional dedicated to the protection of brands should be part of this organization to keep current on legal trends, stay ahead of changes in IP regulations and practices. and have a voice within the biggest and most influential group in our sector.

Being a part of INTA also provides access to great content and projects that provide useful insights and have an impact on brands. On the business side, INTA offers great networking opportunities and access to the most talented professionals and organizations from around the world, providing an added value both for brand owners and private practitioners.

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.

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