Join us September 25, 2025 - All in-house counsel welcome!
All in-house counsel are invited to participate in up to 6 hours of virtual California CLE programming + lunch delivery for members across the U.S.! Discover new and timely legal updates pertaining to all things Intellectual Property.
8:30AM - 9:30AM / KEKER, VAN NEST & PETERS
Patent Playbook: Trends to Watch and Issues to Know
This program provides an update on the evolving patent litigation landscape, including filing trends, major verdicts, and shifts in popular venues. The presenters will review recent legislative developments such as the PREVAIL and RESTORE Acts, as well as ongoing debates around Section 101 patent eligibility. Additional topics include guidance on AI-assisted inventorship, double patenting, and patent term adjustments. Attendees will gain practical insights into both current challenges and emerging issues shaping patent practice in 2025.
SPEAKERS:
Sharif Jacob, Partner, Keker, Van Nest & Peters
Emily Hasselberg, Associate, Keker, Van Nest & Peters
Eric Berger, Senior Counsel, IP and Litigation, Databricks
9:45AM - 10:45AM / PERKINS COIE
PTAB in 2025: A Conversation with PTAB Judges on Recent Changes, Emerging Trends, and Future Direction
During the first half of 2025, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) introduced a series of significant updates and policy changes affecting both petitioners and patent owners. Moderator Arpita Bhattacharyya of Perkins Coie will provide an overview of the latest developments and lead a discussion with PTAB judges to better understand the implications of the rule changes, what to expect from the PTAB moving forward, and how patent practitioners can best advocate for their clients in invalidation proceedings at the PTAB.
Key discussion points will include:
- Evolving trends in discretionary denials, such as the implementation of the new “settled expectation” policy and the PTAB’s approach to concurrent litigation
- Notable decisions issued by the USPTO Acting Director
- Significant Federal Circuit decisions impacting PTAB matters
- Changes in USPTO leadership, operations, and the adoption of AI technologies
SPEAKERS:
Arpita Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., Partner, Perkins Coie
Acting Deputy Chief Administrative Patent Judge Kalyan K. Deshpande, United States Patent and Trademark Office
Acting Vice Chief Judge Jeffrey Abraham, United States Patent and Trademark Office
11:00AM - NOON / FARELLA BRAUN + MARTEL
License to Win: Trademark Agreements that Perform, Protect, and Scale
Your brand is one of your most valuable assets—are you licensing it wisely? Join us for a practical, in-depth discussion on how to structure and manage trademark licenses without stepping into legal quicksand. Whether you’re licensing trademarks to grow your business or managing a portfolio across partners and platforms, this session will walk you through key frameworks and common pitfalls.
Topics will include:
SPEAKERS:
Nate Garhart, Special Counsel, Farella Braun + Martel
Shabnam Malek, Senior Corporate Counsel, The Wine Group
NOON Lunch Break
12:30PM - 1:30PM / MORRISON FOERSTER
ITC War Games: Winning Offensive and Defensive Strategies
The ITC is a fast-moving forum with powerful remedies. This panel will share game plans and winning strategies for ITC litigation—covering how to navigate its unique procedures, avoid potential pitfalls, maximize leverage on both offense and defense, and manage parallel proceedings.
SPEAKERS:
Lily Li, Partner, Morrison Foerster
Mark Whitaker, Partner, Morrison Foerster
Anne Huffsmith, General Counsel, Honeylove
1:45PM - 2:45PM / FINNEGAN
FRAND or Foe? Global SEP Negotiation and Enforcement
As the global landscape for Standard Essential Patent (SEP) enforcement and licensing continues to evolve, stakeholders face increasing complexity in navigating Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) obligations. This panel brings together leading experts to explore the latest developments in SEP litigation and licensing strategies across key jurisdictions—including China, Brazil, Europe (with a focus on Germany), the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Panelists will examine:
- Recent legal and regulatory trends shaping SEP enforcement in major global forums.
- Strategic approaches to SEP and FRAND negotiations, from both the SEP holder and implementer perspectives.
- Best practices for avoiding litigation while maintaining leverage in licensing discussions.
- Critical considerations when negotiations stall, including how to preserve litigation positions and assess favorable forums for dispute resolution.
Whether you’re a rights holder, implementer, or advisor, this session will provide practical insights into managing SEP disputes and maximizing value in an increasingly contentious and globalized environment.
SPEAKERS:
Erik Puknys, Partner, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Christine Yiu, Partner, Bird & Bird
Cordula Schumacher, Partner, Arnold Ruess
Tareneh Maghame, Founder and Principal, Maghame IP Legal Consulting
Kent Baker, Head of Intellectual Property, u-blox AG
Fergal Clarke, Director of Standard Essential Patents, Schneider Electric
3:00PM - 4:00PM / WILSON SONSINI
Ruptured Relationships & Trade Secrets: Thinking Ahead to Trial so that You Won’t Be on Trial
The discussion will highlight common scenarios around business agreements and strategies to mitigate litigation risks for your company and its executives. In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the stakes are higher than ever when it comes to protecting your company’s competitive edge. This dynamic panel of seasoned litigators will share valuable insights tailored specifically for in-house counsel.
Key Takeaways:
- Real-World Case Studies
- Discover how to spot risk factors that can make disputes more likely to go to trial
- Interactions with other businesses and entrepreneurs need to be carefully managed to mitigate litigation risk including nondisclosure agreements, joint development agreements, or hiring employees from a competitor
- The common theme that drives cases to trial
- Learn from notable cases, including recent high-profile disputes
- Construct narratives to prevent litigation and maximize your chances of success if litigation occurs
- Identify strategies to manage interactions with business partners and minimize litigation risks
- Executive Guidance
- Understand how to advise key executives on litigation risks and protect them from your opponents
- Best Practices
- Recognize the crucial role in-house counsel plays in taking early action to reduce costs, prevent problems, and ensure optimal outcomes related to business goals.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of how to navigate potential disputes effectively and prepare for success in litigation.
SPEAKERS:
Colleen Bal, Partner, Wilson Sonsini
John Flynn, Partner, Wilson Sonsini
Josh Baskin, Partner, Wilson Sonsini
Jeremy Gray, Assistant General Counsel, Litigation, Circle
