International Trademark Association’s DEI Council Reaffirms Commitment to IP Community

New York, New York—May 3, 2023—The recently launched DEI Council of the International Trademark Association (INTA) is now ready to shepherd diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the Association and the global intellectual property (IP) community. The Council was one of 11 recommendations of INTA’s Presidential Task Force Report on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, published in 2022.

Formally established late last year, the Council reflects INTA’s broad commitment to building a better society through brands, as emphasized in the second pillar of its 2022–2025 Strategic Plan. In addition to recognizing brands that demonstrate a commitment toward promoting inclusive and equitable values, the Association will demonstrate its own long-term commitment by creating and monitoring measures of representation at all levels of Association participation. The DEI Council will spearhead this undertaking.

The DEI Council advises INTA’s President and CEO on the Association’s DEI initiatives. As recommended by the 2021 DEI Presidential Task Force, the Council’s responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the drafting of INTA’s DEI policy and action plan, as well as implementing, periodically reviewing, and adjusting it;
• Supervising the various DEI activities already established within the Association;
• Increasing awareness and visibility of DEI within the Association by supporting the inclusion of DEI themes and actions as part of INTA’s permanent culture;
• Considering the recommendations of the DEI Presidential Task Force and strategizing and implementing DEI initiatives within the Association;
• Collaborating as necessary within INTA on DEI issues;
• Engaging with the INTA Foundation and other relevant stakeholders on DEI philanthropy efforts; and
• Promoting the Association’s role as a thought leader for brands and the IP profession, contributing to a better society for all.

“We always welcome diverse, equitable, and inclusive participation in INTA. We love different opinions and views that enrich our discussions, our vision, and our strategy,” said INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo. “This is of utmost importance to us. DEI is part of our DNA.”

Led by co-chairs Stephanie Grenald (Amazon.com, Inc., USA) and Marion Heathcote (Davies Collison Cave, Australia) in collaboration with INTA’s DEI Officer, Deborah Hampton (The Chemours Company, USA), the current Council members will serve through 2024. This diverse group includes 18 INTA members from 14 countries, all of whom bring unique experiences and perspectives to the Council. They are:

• Jonathan Andrews (Reed Smith LLP, United Kingdom)
• Mark Bearfoot (Tommy Hilfiger, Netherlands)
• Stephanie Chong (Hoffer Adler, Canada)
• Beatriz Dornelas (DiBlasi, Parente, Brazil)
• Gustavo Fischer (Fischer Abogados, Uruguay)
• Nolwazi Gcaba (Adams & Adams, South Africa)
• Justisiari Kusumah (K&K Advocates, Indonesia)
• Shwetasree Majumder (Fidus Law Chambers, India)
• Sara Maroun Cordahi (MBC Group, UAE)
• Danny Marti (Tencent Technology, China)
• Justin Pierce (Venable LLP, USA)
• Debbie Roenning (WIPO, Switzerland)
• Rachel Tan (Rouse, Hong Kong SAR, China)
• Brian Winterfeldt (Winterfeldt IP Group, USA)

The Council is supported by advisory members, 2021 DEI Presidential Task Force Co-Chairs Michael Hawkins (Noerr, Spain) and Kimberly Reddick (Uber Technologies, Inc., USA)

“I am excited and honored to co-chair INTA’s first DEI Council. We have an amazing group of DEI champions that have come together to amplify and empower members of underrepresented, underserved and often overlooked communities around the world,” said Ms. Grenald. “It is our hope that you will join INTA in its commitment to embrace DEI for every person—in every community. Be on the lookout for events, including panels and town halls, and DEI related guides that you can share with your organizations. We are here to serve you, and the brands that you represent globally.”

Ms. Grenald and Ms. Heathcote will speak at a fireside chat moderated by Ms. Hampton at INTA’s upcoming 2023 Annual Meeting Live+. The session will be held on Thursday, May 18 from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm and will include updates from the Council on the strides it has made in promoting DEI throughout the Association as well as a high-level summary of what’s to come.

“The strength of INTA has always been in the breadth of our community. Different cultural backgrounds and lived experiences combine to underpin not only the Association’s advocacy, but also our community responsibilities and social obligations,” said Ms. Heathcote. “It is important that, as an Association, we foster an environment where all our members feel they belong and are empowered to contribute.”

“We are pleased to be hosting fireside chats during both the in-person and virtual Annual Meeting this year, to share the Council’s vision and to give visibility to INTAs commitment in the area of DEI. This will help us empower all of our members to contribute and realize our ambitious goals,” added Ms. Heathcote.

About the International Trademark Association
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and complementary intellectual property (IP) to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation, and committed to building a better society through brands. Members include nearly 6,000 organizations, representing more than 33,500 individuals (trademark owners, professionals, and academics) from 181 countries, who benefit from the Association’s global trademark resources, policy development, education and training, and international network. Founded in 1878, INTA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Beijing, Brussels, Santiago, Singapore, and the Washington, D.C., Metro Area, and representatives in Amman and New Delhi. For more information, visit inta.org.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Bogner
Senior Strategist, Communications
212-642-1770
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