About INTA
INTA Foundation
A charitable organization that reflects INTA’s commitment to expand access to IP educational opportunities.
Contact Eloise Santos to become a sponsor.
Overview
The INTA Foundation is a charitable organization with a mission to expand educational opportunities that empower students and professionals to join, shape, and strengthen the intellectual property (IP) community.
While INTA focuses on professionals already engaged in the trademark and IP profession, the INTA Foundation supports initiatives that provide greater access to the IP profession and to IP related educational and professional development opportunities for those that might not otherwise have access.
LEARN MORE ABOUT INTA FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIPS
Below, we’ve compiled a collection of videos that offer unique glimpses into the lives of young scholars of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, whose dreams have been nurtured by the generosity of contributors like you. These remarkable individuals embody the INTA Foundation’s mission, and their personal narratives showcase the profound impact your donations have had on their educational journeys. Discover the faces, voices, and dreams behind our cause, and take the opportunity to donate now, knowing that every dollar you donate paves the way for a brighter future. Together, we are building a legacy of opportunity, one story at a time.
Newsletters
2026 Scholars
2025 Scholars
2024 Scholars
Events
See All Past Events
2025 Leadership Meeting-INTA Foundation Old Hollywood Theme Reception
November 20, 2025
2024 Leadership Meeting—Foundation Mardi Gras Reception
November 14, 2024
2024 Annual Meeting—INTA Sports-Themed Fundraiser
May 21, 2024
Board of Governors
Officers
Chair
Toe Su Aung
Director
Elipe Limited
United Kingdom
Treasurer
Debra Y. Hughes
Assistant General Counsel, Brand
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
United States
Secretary
Ayala Deutsch
Executive Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
NBA Properties
United States
Counsel
Megan Bannigan
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
United States
Megan Bannigan is a partner in Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Intellectual Property and Litigation Groups (New York City, USA), representing and counseling clients on cutting-edge matters involving trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, false advertising, design patents, rights of publicity, licensing, and other disputes. She is also an adjunct professor, teaching Advanced Trademark and False Advertising Law at NYU School of Law, and Fashion Law at Rutgers School of Law.
Ms. Bannigan currently serves as Promotions Subcommittee Chair for the INTA Brands for a Better Society Committee. She previously served on the INTA Pro Bono Committee, where she spearheaded the development of the INTA Pro Bono Clearinghouse, and for which she received a Volunteer Service Award for Advancement of the Organization in 2017.
Board Members
Safir Anand
Anand And Anand Advocates
India
Megan Bannigan is a partner in Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Intellectual Property and Litigation Groups (New York City, USA), representing and counseling clients on cutting-edge matters involving trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, false advertising, design patents, rights of publicity, licensing, and other disputes. She is also an adjunct professor, teaching Advanced Trademark and False Advertising Law at NYU School of Law, and Fashion Law at Rutgers School of Law.
Ms. Bannigan currently serves as Promotions Subcommittee Chair for the INTA Brands for a Better Society Committee. She previously served on the INTA Pro Bono Committee, where she spearheaded the development of the INTA Pro Bono Clearinghouse, and for which she received a Volunteer Service Award for Advancement of the Organization in 2017.
Laura Collada
Dumont Bergman Bider & Co., S.C.
Mexico
Susan L. Crane
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
USA
Diane Lau
Trademark Program Lead
Meta Platforms, Inc.
USA
Lorenzo Litta
Abion
Italy
David Lossignol
Novartis International
Switzerland
Marc Trachtenberg
Greenberg Traurig
USA
Jason Yao
Wanhuida Intellectual Property
China
Fellowship Program
Information
The INTA Foundation Fellowship Program offers one-time grant(s) for eligible non-profit organizations seeking to expand access to the study or practice of trademark protection and intellectual property law.
Permissible uses of the grant include but are not limited to, awarding scholarships to deserving intellectual property students, supporting research in global trademark protection, or creating outreach programs designed to expand access to IP education and professional development. Preference will be given to projects for which the grant is anticipated to have a substantial impact and to organizations with a track record of success in carrying out similar initiatives.
To begin the process, please fill out the application below.
Questions? Contact us.
Eligibility
Non-profit organizations exempt from tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code are encouraged to apply. Applications from non-exempt organizations or exempt organizations not described in Section 501(c)(3) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Recipients will be required to participate in an interview before grants are awarded and subsequently enter into a grant agreement governing the usage of the grant funds.
Applicant organizations shall be considered without regard to the race, color, national origin, sex, or other protected characteristics of its constituent members or directors. Officers, directors, and employees of the International Trademark Association or the INTA Foundation, their families, and organizations substantially controlled by such person, are not eligible to apply. INTA Members will be given no preference or special consideration over any other applicants.
INTA encourages its members to donate to the INTA Foundation, a 501(c )(3) charitable organization. Donations will support access to educational and professional IP opportunities for students and practitioners in all stages of their IP career. Learn more about being a Foundation Ambassador.
Circle of Friends
The INTA Foundation is proud to celebrate our Circle of Friends—our most dedicated supporters who have donated $200+ in 2026 and champion our mission to expand access to IP education for students worldwide. Thanks to their generosity, we’re providing scholarships, educational resources, and opportunities that empower the next generation of IP leaders.
As one of our Circle of Friends, you will receive:
- Recognition at the 2026 Leadership Meeting INTA Foundation themed event
- Your name, headshot, and organization listed on the INTA Foundation website
- An exclusive digital badge for your email signature
- A thank-you feature on our social channels
- Featured on select social media posts
Become a part of the Circle of Friends!
Your donation of $200+ will help shape the future of IP education and will inspire others to do the same.
2026 Circle of Friends
Names with * indicate those who have been ambassadors twice.
J. Scott Evans*
Stobbs
USA
Motasem Abu Ghazaleh
Osha BWB International
United Arab Emirates
Howard Hogan Gibson*
Dunn & Crutcher LLP
USA
Daniel Grief
S&O Intellectual Property
Thailand
Roba Hamam
AÏP Genius
Bahrain
Deborah A. Hampton
The Chemours Company
USA
Hady Khawand
AÏP Genius
Bahrain
Joana de Mattos Siqueira*
Montaury Pimenta Machado & Vieira de Mello Advogados
Brazil
Bharath M.S.*
KRIA Law
India
Shea Palavan*
Houstonip
USA
Sanjaykumar Patel
Excelon IP
India
David Perry
Blank Rome
USA
Ankit Sahni
Ajay Sahni & Associates
India
Sarkis Simonian
Simonian IP Glendale
USA
Mark E. Stein*
Mark Stein Law
USA
Munir Suboh
Taylor Wessing
United Arab Emirates
Kat Welch*
Husch Blackwell LLP
USA
Previous Circle of Friends
2025 Circle of Friends
J. Scott Evans
Bharath M.S.
Howard Hogan Gibson
Shea Palavan
Joana de Mattos Siqueira
Mark Stein
Kat Welch
Sponsors
FAQ
How is the INTA Foundation different from INTA?
Both INTA and the INTA Foundation are non-profit organizations. INTA is a trade association of brand owners and intellectual property (IP) professionals committed to elevating the understanding of and respect for IP rights to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and societal transformation. The INTA Foundation is a separate charitable and philanthropic arm of INTA that seeks to expand educational opportunities that empower students and professionals to join, shape, and strengthen the IP community.
The INTA Foundation seeks to support the next generations of trademark and IP professionals by providing grants to organizations across the globe to create educational and professional development opportunities for students.
In short, INTA focuses on professionals already engaged in the trademark and IP profession and the INTA Foundation supports initiatives that provide greater access to the IP profession and to IP related educational and professional opportunities for those that might not otherwise have access. Donations to the INTA Foundation support philanthropic initiatives that are not otherwise funded by INTA.
What kind of initiatives does the INTA Foundation support?
Through the INTA Foundation Fellowship Program, the INTA Foundation offers grant(s) for eligible non-profit organizations seeking to expand access to the study or practice of intellectual property (IP) law.
Permissible uses of the grant include but are not limited to awarding scholarships to deserving IP students, supporting research in global IP protection, or creating outreach programs designed to expand access to IP education and professional development. Preference will be given to projects for which the grant is anticipated to have a substantial impact and to organizations with a track record of success in carrying out similar initiatives.
To learn more and apply, see the Fellowship Program section above.
How can I support the INTA Foundation?
You can support the INTA Foundation by:
- Making a donation now
- Selecting the option to donate when registering for INTA events
- Attending fundraising receptions
- Hosting a Foundation event
- Sponsoring an event
- Becoming a member of the Circle of Friends (donate $200 or more to the INTA Foundation for the current year). Benefits include:
- Recognition on the INTA Foundation website
- A custom email badge
- A thank-you feature on our social media platforms
- Recognition on social media campaigns throughout the year
- Recognition at INTA Foundation events
- Following us on social media
Please contact us if you are interested in more information on supporting the INTA Foundation.
Can my company become a sponsor of the INTA Foundation?
Absolutely, sponsorships help amplify the INTA Foundation’s reach and impact. Sponsors can support specific initiatives and benefits include:
- Prominent brand visibility through INTA’s global communications, including newsletters, social media, and event signage
- Recognition at high-profile INTA events, including fundraising receptions and leadership meetings
- Opportunities to support targeted initiatives, such as fellowships, research grants, and educational programs aligned with your organization’s values
- Access to a global network of trademark and IP professionals, educators, and emerging talent
- Strategic positioning as a forward-thinking organization committed to strengthening the IP ecosystem
If you are interested in sponsoring, contact Éloïse Santos at [email protected].
What are the benefits of becoming part of the Circle of Friends?
INTA Foundation Circle of Friends are INTA members who help promote the mission of the Foundation within their networks.
Circle of Friends Requirements:
- Donate $200 or more to the INTA Foundation for the current year
- Represent the INTA Foundation at INTA events
- Host or support fundraising activities
- Share INTA Foundation news and impact stories
- Encourage peers to donate
Benefits:
- Recognition on the INTA Foundation website
- A custom email badge
- A thank-you feature on our social media platforms
- Recognition on social media campaigns throughout the year
- Recognition at INTA Foundation events
Being a member of the Circle of Friends is a meaningful way to give back to the IP community and help shape its future.
Interested in becoming part of the Circle of Friends? Contact Éloïse Santos at [email protected].
What impact does my donation have?
Every donation helps expand access to intellectual property (IP) education and professional development. Whether it’s funding scholarships, supporting research, or enabling outreach programs, your contribution helps build a more inclusive and globally representative IP community.
Are donations tax-deductible?
The INTA Foundation, Inc. is a charitable organization described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and contributions are deductible for U.S. Federal income tax purposes to the fullest extent permitted by law.
If I already pay dues for INTA membership, why should I donate to the INTA Foundation?
Donations to the INTA Foundation support philanthropic initiatives that are not otherwise funded by INTA. Your donations are a way to give back to the intellectual property (IP) community by supporting research and introducing students to tools and strategies for pursuing a career in IP.
Can I volunteer with the INTA Foundation?
Yes, in addition to financial support, the Foundation welcomes volunteers to assist with outreach within their networks to promote the INTA Foundation, and event hosting. Volunteering is a great way to contribute your time and expertise to a cause that strengthens the IP community.
Please contact us if you are interested in more information on supporting the INTA Foundation.
Contact
If you would like more information about the INTA Foundation, contact us.
Follow Us on Social!
Save the date, Phoenix 🌵 We’re bringing the community together to support access to IP education.
📌 Thu, Nov 19, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM MT | Sheraton Phoenix Downtown (Phoenix, AZ)
Follow for updates. And stay tuned for the theme announcement. We will party with purpose!
INTA Foundation Board member Laura Collada highlights how small actions can create a big impact. This interview explores how expanding access to IP education is helping shape the next generation of professionals.
Read the full interview and support the INTA Foundation to help drive that impact ...forward. https://loom.ly/QoIbvMA
At the INTA Foundation, we believe exposure to intellectual property education can open doors to entirely new possibilities and career paths.
João Pedro Ribeiro, a student at UFRJ, shares how discovering intellectual property through the INTA Foundation supported program expanded his ...perspective on the field and inspired him to pursue a broader understanding of innovation, creativity, science, music, and business through IP.
Hear his story below.
We’re proud to welcome our 2026 INTA Foundation Circle of Friends.
Renewed Circle of Friends: J. Scott Evans, Howard Hogan, Joana de Mattos Siqueira, Bharath M.S., Mark E. Stein, Kat Welch, Shea Palavan,
New Circle of Friends: Motasem Abu Ghazaleh, Daniel Grief, Roba Hamam, ...Hady Khawand, David Perry, Sarkis Simonian, Sanjaykumar Patel, Deborah A. Hampton
Join this growing community and be part of a network that supports students in IP from underserved areas by donating $200 or more and receive:
• Recognition at the 2026 Leadership Meeting INTA Foundation themed event
• Your name, headshot, and organization listed on the INTA Foundation website
• An exclusive digital email signature badge
• Thank‑you features on our social channels
• Visibility in select posts throughout the year
Email [email protected] or visit our website here inta.org/about/inta-foundation
Our Board stands behind our mission—and invites organizations to do the same.
Become a 2026 Sponsor and invest in the next generation of IP leaders.
Thank you to those that have already committed for 2026 sponsorship. Sponsor us today https://loom.ly/nUUIvlo
Want to help in 10 seconds?
1. Like this post
2. Comment “Boosting”
3. Repost with your network
When our community engages, our reach multiplies—and more people learn what the Foundation does.
Access. Opportunity. Education. Your support fuels measurable progress worldwide.
Donate today to support our work: https://loom.ly/LzCzUKY
INTA Foundation Event Throwback!
We’ve hosted some unforgettable events in support of educational opportunities for students and emerging professionals in IP— and we’d love to hear from you.
Which INTA Foundation event has been your favorite?
Vote below:
...General Reception – Annual Meeting 2022
Brunch – Leadership Meeting 2022
Brunch – Annual Meeting 2023
Barbie Night – Leadership Meeting 2023
Sports Night – Annual Meeting 2024
Mardi Gras – Leadership Meeting 2024
Old Hollywood – Leadership Meeting 2025
Interested in sponsoring our next INTA Foundation event at the Leadership Meeting? Contact [email protected] to learn more.
Through our partnership with the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL), the INTA Foundation is proud to support talented law students pursuing careers in intellectual property, and removing financial barriers and opening doors to opportunity.
We are honored to ...recognize two current bursary recipients whose voices remind us why this work matters:
These bursaries represent more than financial support, they represent access, possibility, and the next generation of IP professionals. We are proud to stand alongside SAIIPL in advancing inclusion within the global IP community.
Help make stories like these possible.
Your donation to the INTA Foundation directly supports students around the world who are working to build meaningful careers in intellectual property. Give today at https://loom.ly/LzCzUKY.
#INTAFoundation #SAIIPL #Donate #SupportEducation #AccessToOpportunity #FutureofIP #GlobalImpact
