Trademark Administrators Gather for Long-Awaited Return of TMA Brunch at the 2024 Annual Meeting

On May 19, more than 100 trademark professionals from around the world gathered for a vibrant brunch hosted by the Trademark Administrators (TMA) Committee during the 2024 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The event, which was sponsored by Iberbrand, drew a diverse group, which included TMAs, brand protection professionals, in-house practitioners, paralegals, and law firm professionals. This brunch marked the joyous return of the event after a long hiatus due to the pandemic.

Each attendee brought unique perspectives and experiences, contributing to the collaborative atmosphere of the brunch. Special guests included INTA Vice President Deborah Hampton (The Chemours Company, USA), who in her introductory remarks echoed the excitement of being back together for this annual event. Adrienne Berry, Legal Administrative Specialist and eLitigation Support Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, represented the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). TMA Committee Chair Kara Fielder (Worldplay, USA) and Vice Chair Nehal Madhani (Alt Legal, USA) introduced significant initiatives the TMA Committee is planning for the term, including the prestigious TMA of the Year Award, TMA Spotlights featuring industry leaders, well-being programs, career development resources, and educational content tailored for non-attorney professionals in the trademark field.

The event featured a fireside chat moderated by Deborah Brincat (Dennemeyer & Cie, France), which touched on learning, professional development, and growth for TMAs. The panel featured accomplished TMAs, including Emily Quackenbush (Perkins Coie, USA); Gernez Owens (NBC Universal, USA); Leyla Harper-Dominique (Ideas IP, Costa Rica); and Rosa Jimenez (Travel + Leisure Co, USA). They discussed industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, sharing their expertise on crucial topics such as trademark portfolio management, best practices, and the evolving regulatory landscape affecting TMAs globally. The panel also shared their career journeys, discussing their paths from new professionals to experienced TMAs, and highlighting the opportunities for learning and leadership offered by INTA and other professional organizations.

TMA Certificate Program

Among the many highlights of the brunch, the TMA Certificate Program, which was developed by the TMA Committee’s Certificate Program Subcommittee, experienced instructors, and other volunteers from around the globe, was officially launched. The Program Directors, Ms. Owens and Ms. Quackenbush, provided an overview of the course, which aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of TMAs by covering various aspects of intellectual property (IP) and trademark administration. The Trademark Administrators Certificate Program: Beginner Course explores essential skills for successful TMAs, including, the fundamentals of IP, with a focus on trademarks, acquisition, protection, and enforcement of IP rights, and key technologies used by TMAs. Early-career TMAs, young practitioners, students, and those looking for more cross-functional knowledge of IP law and trademarks will benefit from taking this course.

Trademark Administrators and Practitioners (TMAP) Meeting

The brunch also provided a preview of the highly anticipated 2024 TMAP Meeting, to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, from September 22 through 24, 2024. The TMAP Meeting is a unique educational event tailored specifically to TMAs and practitioners. The event offers networking opportunities, leadership development, and educational programming sessions, with practical tools and resources for professionals who manage global trademark portfolios. Topics will include artificial intelligence; name, image, and likeness; anticounterfeiting; regional legislative developments; influencer co-branding; licensing; and USPTO updates. Kathy Merlino (Cozen, O’Connor, USA) and Ms. Harper-Dominique, 2024 TMAP Co-Chairs, also attended the brunch.

The TMA brunch underscored the Committee’s commitment to advancing the recognition and professional development of TMAs by fostering a supportive and educational environment.

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.

© 2024 International Trademark Association