An Update on Leader Nominations and the 2026–2027 Committee Selection Process

INTA committees represent and serve the Association’s members and provide a vital training ground for INTA’s future leaders. INTA encourages interested members to seize the opportunity to apply for the 2026–2027 Committee Term and, if eligible, to submit nominations for officers, Board members, and committee leaders.

Due to a recent amendment to the Association’s bylaws and an ongoing assessment of its committee structure, this year’s nominations and the committee selection process will include a few changes. A brief overview of the process follows.

Call for Officer, Counsel, and Board Nominations (April 22–May 30)

All current leaders and active volunteers will have the opportunity to help INTA’s Nominating Committee identify the Association’s future volunteer leaders by submitting their nominations.

We are seeking nominations for the following positions:

• INTA officers (president elect, vice president(s), treasurer, and secretary) and counsel, serving a one-year term commencing January 1, 2026; and
• Members of the INTA Board of Directors, serving a three-year term commencing January 1, 2026.

New for 2026, those individuals who are Associate Members will be eligible to serve on the Board in two capacities: the position of secretary and one as vice president. Individuals with prior service on the Board of Directors will be given strong preference for officer positions, particularly for the roles of secretary and vice president.

Criteria for Officer, Board, and Committee Leader Nominations

As leaders within INTA, officers, counsel, Board members, and committee leaders play a critical role in guiding the organization, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring its continued success.

Nominees should demonstrate the following attributes:

• Strategic Vision: Ability to contribute to high-level discussions, drive long-term vision, and apply a global perspective to issues.
• Expertise in IP: Possess in-depth knowledge of the issues across multiple areas of intellectual property (IP) to shape forward-thinking IP strategies.
• Understanding INTA’s Priorities: Have a strong grasp of industry trends, legal and policy challenges, and a commitment to advancing INTA’s strategic plan.
• Dedication to INTA: Show active and meaningful engagement in INTA initiatives, including regular participation in committees while consistently delivering high-quality work in a timely manner.
• Leadership and Role Modeling: Exhibit strong leadership qualities and serve as a role model for other INTA volunteers, inspiring collaboration and effectively representing INTA’s mission and values.

2026–2027 Committee Structure

In the past, the Planning Committee’s committee structure recommendation was presented to the Board in March, coinciding with the approval of the new strategic plan. New this year, the recommendation will be presented to the Board in May.

This adjustment allows for these factors:

• Additional time to assess the optimal committee structure to align with the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan;
• Consideration of feedback from staff liaisons, committee leaders, and committee members to eliminate overlaps and redundancies in the current structure; and
• Enhancement of the overall committee experience for members.

The call for committee leader nominations taking place June 2–June 25 will reflect the new committee structure.

Committee Selection (June 2–July 8)

INTA committees are established to (1) formulate policy recommendations for the Board of Directors; (2) undertake initiatives—short term and long term—in support of the strategic plan; and (3) advance the work of the Association. Committees serve to represent and engage the Association’s membership while also functioning as a vital platform for the development of future INTA leadership.

Committee volunteers, working in close collaboration with INTA staff, contribute their collective expertise across a broad spectrum of areas. This includes the advocacy of IP and brand owner rights, the development of IP resources, the communication and execution of strategic objectives, and the planning and delivery of educational programs and events, among other key initiatives.

This year’s committee selection process will reflect the new committee structure. Members should check their inboxes and keep reading the INTA Bulletin following the 2025 Annual Meeting for more information.

2025 Nominations and Committee Selection Schedule

April 22–May 30
Call for officer, counsel, and Board nominations

June 2–June 25
Call for committee leader nominations

June 2–July 8
Committee selection

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.

© 2025 International Trademark Association