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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: 

  • How to structure a license agreement that is clear, enforceable, and adaptable 
  • What "naked licensing" is and how to avoid the risk of losing trademark rights 
  • The fine line between a license and a franchise (and why that distinction matters) 
  • Who gets to enforce trademark rights—and who foots the bill 

  • Best practices for navigating trademark use by influencers, resellers, and online marketplaces

     

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
 

 

 

You're Invited!

We're at it again -- ACC SFBA is teaming up with the Eversheds Sutherland & San Francisco Giants to bring you an updated, current review of all things AI and how AI continues to evolve in the world of sports and beyond! 

Join ACC SFBA & Eversheds Sutherland for an engaging CLE program followed by a San Francisco Giants game at Oracle Park.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and enjoy a fun ballgame—all in one memorable evening!

 

AGENDA

5:00 - 5:30 – Check-in

5:30 – 6:30 – CLE Program

6:30 – 6:45 – Move to Suite

6:45 – 10:00 – Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals

 

The event will feature a MCLE presentation by Eversheds Sutherland:

"AI + Sports 2025 Update"

This dynamic CLE event will explore the latest developments in the AI regulatory landscape, including emerging legislation and compliance challenges that legal professionals need to know. We'll also dive into best practices for data governance and data hygiene, essential for ensuring responsible AI deployment and mitigating risk.

And because AI is transforming sports—from performance analytics to fan engagement—we’ll take a closer look at how these innovations are reshaping the game, both on and off the field.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with our panel of specialists during a live Q&A session, making this an interactive and informative experience you won’t want to miss.

Speakers:

Bill Schlough, Chief Information Officer, SF Giants

Baird Fogel, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

Nasser Ali Khasawneh, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland


What to Bring & Expect:

  • Arrive by 10:00 am to sign the waiver and review safety orientation and paddle instructions
  • Bring water and sunscreen
  • Lockers will be available for storing personal items like sandals, phones, and towels
  • Bring a blanket for the picnic lunch following the kayaking

 

Enjoy a unique and unforgettable night combining professional development, great food, and world-class entertainment. The evening begins with two engaging CLE sessions followed by a networking dinner to connect with peers in a relaxed setting. Afterward, experience a spectacular live concert under the stars.

 

CLE | Session 1:

Junk Fee Litigation and Emerging Pricing Risks

This one-hour CLE session will provide a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving landscape of junk fee litigation, with a particular focus on lawsuits targeting non-shipping, non-tax fees in online transactions. The panel will delve into the legal theories and enforcement trends driving these cases, especially in California, where both broad consumer protection statutes and specific laws like the CLRA’s drip pricing provision are being leveraged by plaintiffs. Attendees will gain practical insights into the types of fees under scrutiny—such as shipping protection and mandatory delivery charges—and the compliance risks these pose for businesses operating in the digital marketplace.

In addition to junk fee litigation, the session will briefly address related developments shaping the regulatory environment. These include the use of artificial intelligence in pricing algorithms, the Federal Trade Commission’s new negative option rule, and the latest trends in false reference price litigation. By the end of the program, participants will be equipped to identify key risk areas, monitor regulatory changes, and implement best practices for fee disclosures to minimize litigation exposure.

 

CLE | Session 2:

Key Coverage Decisions Every California In-House Counsel Should Know and Why They Matter

This one-hour CLE session offers a focused exploration of pivotal insurance coverage rulings from California courts, or courts interpreting California law, that directly impact corporate risk management strategies. Designed for in-house counsel navigating the complex landscape of California insurance law, the session highlights critical decisions on the duty to defend, late notice, bad faith, and excluded conduct—each with significant implications for how claims are reported, defended, and resolved. Attendees will gain insight into how courts interpret policy language, assess insurer obligations, and apply key contract interpretation doctrines, all of which shape the contours of coverage in high-stakes disputes.

Beyond case law, the presentation emphasizes practical applications for legal departments, including best practices for reviewing policies, managing claims, and collaborating with brokers and outside counsel.  By connecting legal precedent to real-world decision-making, the session equips in-house attorneys with the tools to proactively mitigate risk, preserve coverage, and avoid costly missteps. Whether dealing with a denied claim, partnering with an insurer to resolve a matter in the insured’s best interests, or renewing coverage, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to leverage insurance coverage as a strategic asset in corporate governance.

 

Speakers:

Linda Kornfeld

Anna Milunas

 

Agenda:

3:00pm to 3:40pm | Arrival and Registration

3:45pm to 4:45pm | CLE Session 1

4:45pm to 5:30pm | Break

5:30pm to 6:30pm | CLE Session 2

6:30pm to 7:40pm | Dinner

8:00pm | Concert

 

Concert:

Sarabande Africaine featuring Angélique Kidjo & Yo-Yo Ma

Two endlessly curious musicians come together to search beyond the edges of their musical backgrounds, exposing the ways we have all been connected for a very long time; it’s a collaboration that asks us to joyfully question the tenets of genre and tradition that underpin our cultural thinking.

 

Parking:

We know parking can be tricky—and pricey. We're working on some transportation and parking solutions to make things easier. Please check back soon for more details!

 

Sponsor:

Blank Rome

Join fellow ACC members for a meaningful evening of service as we team up with our Sponsor Stradling law firm and the non-profit SPIN OC (Serving People In Need – Orange County) to prepare bag lunches for families at a local shelter.

Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (followed by a networking happy hour)

Parking: Garage parking will be validated

Attire: Business casual

Cost: Free of charge — thanks to Stradling’s generous donation covering supplies and transportation.

This hands-on event is a chance to connect with peers and support local families in need.

Space is limited, so don’t wait to sign up!

*Please note: This event is exclusively for ACC members.

As AI reshapes entire industries, federal courts are beginning to define the legal boundaries.

Generative AI is transforming industries, but it is also raising urgent legal questions. Two recent federal court decisions involving Meta and Anthropic are helping define how copyright law applies to the use of books and other creative works in AI training. These rulings are beginning to shape how companies develop, license, and use AI tools.

 

In this webinar, Knobbe attorneys Mark Lezama and Lincoln Essig, along with Sam Olive, Senior Director/Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property at Cisco, will break down what these cases mean for in-house counsel. They will examine how courts are interpreting fair use in the AI context, and what steps companies can take to reduce legal risk in this evolving area.

 

Key topics will include:

  1. How courts are addressing the use of unauthorized and digitized books in AI training
  2. What qualifies as transformative use and how market harm is being evaluated
  3. What companies should include in AI-related contracts to mitigate risk
  4. Why audit rights, indemnification, and output controls are important

 

This session is designed for legal teams across industries, including technology, media, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. If your company uses or integrates AI, this webinar will provide valuable insights to help you stay informed and protected.

 

Hosted by:  Knobbe Martens and ACC Southern California

 

It’s no secret that bankruptcy filings have increased by about 10% in 2025 – and are likely to remain at elevated levels for the near future. Bankruptcy can wreak havoc on the receivables, contracts, and business relationships of trade partners— and many companies are not prepared when their customer, vendor or trade partner files for relief. 

A Bankruptcy Primer for In-House Counsel will provide an overview of key concepts and pitfalls that every in-house attorney should understand. 

Topics will include:

  • the automatic stay and its impact on litigation and collections
  • critical deadlines and creditor rights in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases
  • contract issues
  • strategies to maximize recovery and minimize risk in bankruptcy proceedings.

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