IP Palooza: A Deep Dive Into AI and IP

IP PALOOZA – A DEEP DIVE INTO AI AND IP

A full day CLE event

Hosted by RTAC-ACC’s Tech/Cyber/IP/Privacy Committee

Get ready to dive deep into the world of AI and IP at RTAC-ACC's IP Palooza.

Our 2026 IP Palooza will explore the cutting edge of innovation and law, from AI’s impact on copyright, contracting, and ethics to the latest developments in patent prosecution, litigation, and case law. Leading firms including Baker McKenzie, Barnes & Thornburg, Fish & Richardson, Foley & Lardner, Kilpatrick, Marshall Gerstein, and McGuireWoods will highlight key developments shaping the future of IP—from AI to fundamental changes in USPTO leadership. Please join us to explore the intersection of innovation and law while gaining practical takeaways to navigate today’s rapidly evolving IP landscape. The event concludes with a reception at 5:00 PM, providing an excellent opportunity to network with your peers.

Date:

Thursday, February 26, 2026

9:00AM – 5:00PM with a reception to follow

Location:

Prestonwood Country Club

300 Prestonwood Parkway

Cary, NC 27513

CLE:

7 NC CLE credits, including 6 General credit and 1 Ethics credit.  Certificates of Attendance will be available for members of other state bar associations to allow for self-reporting.

Cost:

No cost for ACC members and full-time law school faculty and staff.

REGISTER HERE by February 17, 2026

AGENDA

9:00 – 9:05       Welcome Remarks

9:05 – 10:05    Trends and Issues in IP Law: The Rise of Artificial Intelligence - Barnes & Thornburg

Amy Fix – Partner, Barnes & Thornburg, Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Practice Unit Leader

Aisha Hasan – Partner, Barnes & Thornburg             

10:05 – 11:05 Patent Prosecution and Litigation Defense in the USPTO’s New Era - Fish & Richardson

                Brian Livedalen - Principal at Fish & Richardson

11:05 – 12:05 The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Copyright Law   -McGuireWoods 

                Kyle Smith – Associate, McGuireWoods

12:05 – 12:50 Lunch

12:50 – 1:50    AI Contracting: Negotiation Pain Points and Organizational Readiness - Baker McKenzie

                Keo McKenzie - Partner, Intellectual Property & Technology, Baker McKenzie

                Cristina Messerschmidt - Senior Associate, Privacy & Security, Baker McKenzie

     Marc Paul – Partner, Baker McKenzie

                Kim Maney – Associate General Counsel, GSK'

     John Sieman - Patent Counsel, Intellectual Property & Emerging Technology, SAS Institute

1:50 – 2:50       Annual Review of Patent Case Law – 2025 Cases and Implications for In-House Counsel – Kilpatrick

                Steve Gardner – Partner, Kilpatrick

2:50 – 3:00       Break

3:00 – 4:00       Current Trends in Patent Law: Biotech/Life Sciences and AI/Computer Technologies Perspectives - Marshall Gerstein

                Josh Elloitt - Partner, Marshall Gerstein

                Randy Rueth – Partner, Marshall Gerstein

4:00 – 5:00       AI Law Unleashed: Navigating the Ethical Frontier - Foley & Lardner

                Chanley Howell – Partner, Foley & Lardner

5:00 - 6:00       Reception