Our Speakers

With over 15 years of experience in the field of intellectual property (IP), Azam Ghani is a seasoned professional associated with the International Intellectual Property Law Association (IIPLA). Based in San Jose, California, Azam has contributed to the global IP community through leadership, speaking engagements, and thought leadership.

Subroto Bose is head of IP at Astera Labs, where he manages Astera’s patent and trademark portfolio, domain names, customs enforcement, invention harvesting, and patent strategy. He has previously been assistant general counsel, IP strategy and development at Marvell Semiconductor, and senior director, global patent strategy and IP operations at Dolby Laboratories. Bose’s in-house experience includes global patent and trademark portfolio strategy, European patent prosecution, and patent acquisitions. He also advises on patent issues in licensing transactions, and issues related to standard-setting organizations and standard-essential patents. Bose has worked at several law firms, where he represented both plaintiffs and defendants before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and federal district courts.

Babak Akhlaghi is the Founder and Managing Director of NovoTech Patent Firm, where he leads the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and advises technology companies on building investor‑grade patent portfolios that support fundraising, growth, and competitive advantage. A registered patent attorney with deep experience in advanced technologies—including AI, machine learning, quantum computing, software‑driven hardware, robotics, and blockchain, Babak focuses on strategic patent preparation, prosecution, and long‑term portfolio design. He is also a permanent Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, where he teaches Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship, and a co‑author of the Patent Applications Handbook, published annually by West Publications (Clark Boardman Division) since 1992. His work includes helping founders turn complex innovations into patents that withstand investor scrutiny and create meaningful business leverage.

Mr. Xia Weifeng’s primary practice areas include intellectual property and technology law, covering IP infringement disputes, IP transactions and international negotiations, corporate IP strategy planning, IP commercialization and operation, data compliance and protection, as well as the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, particularly technology licensing and data compliance matters in cross-border transactions, such as representing clients in international negotiations. Mr. Xia has extensive experience in cutting-edge high-tech industries, including artificial intelligence, robotics, new materials, semiconductor manufacturing and equipment, medical devices, bioinformatics technology, and the pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Xia has long provided comprehensive legal services to high-tech enterprises, including IP due diligence, freedom-to-operate (FTO) investigations, IP risk assessments, technology investment value evaluations, and the structuring of commercialization frameworks for scientific and technological achievements (covering various models such as technology capital contribution, technology transfer, horizontal technology collaboration, and vertical technology licensing). Mr. Xia has substantial experience in IP litigation and dispute resolution, particularly in patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, having handled a significant number of litigation cases and represented leading domestic and international companies in various IP disputes.

Aden Chen is the Managing Partner of Lawjay Partners Shanghai, a PRC firm associated with Bird & Bird. Previously, I led the China IP practice as a partner at Duane Morris’ Shanghai Office and served for many years as the APAC IP Director and Global Litigation Counsel at AkzoNobel. With over 25 years of experience in IP and commercial law, I serve clients with business savvy and professional expertise. As a patent lawyer, I assist companies in the life science, biotech, medical device, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries on patent prosecutions, R&D collaborations, technology transactions, and patent disputes. I also provide legal advice in trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and unfair competition to support clients building and growing their business globally. I have assisted many IT and fintech companies as well on their complicated business deals and regulatory navigations. My understanding of the corporate environment enables me to deliver business-oriented legal solutions that meet the company's immediate needs and long-term business goals. In addition to my expertise in IP litigations, I also have substantial experience in commercial litigations, administrative proceedings, and cross-border investigations. I am also an expert on alternative dispute resolutions and have served as an arbitrator at the Guangzhou Arbitration Commission and CIETAC for many years. I have spoken at many international legal forums, sharing my insights on IP laws and commercial practices in China and in the US. I am one of the chief editors and key authors of the book ‘New Trends of Intellectual Property Rights – Practice and Essentials’, published by Peking University Press.

Dr. Yajun Hao earned his Ph.D. from Tsinghua University Law School and was a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is a life member of the Tsinghua University Entrepreneurship Association and a member of the Beijing Culture and Entertainment Law Society. Dr. Hao has long been dedicated to intellectual property research and legal practice, authoring numerous publications on both theoretical and applied legal topics. In recognition of his outstanding work, he was awarded the prestigious "Tsinghua University Alibaba Intellectual Property Youth Scholarship." As an experienced legal practitioner, he has successfully represented clients in multiple high-stakes, complex trademark disputes.

Reking is a Partner in the Intellectual Property practice group. Reking is experienced across the full spectrum of Intellectual Property (IP), franchising and technology, both non-contentious and contentious. Reking has advised clients both before the administrative IP authorities and the Chinese courts for trademark, copyright, design patent, trade secrets and domain name related matters. Additionally, he has advised multinational companies on IP and commercial operation matters involved in various cross-border business transactions, including drafting IP related agreements, IP audits, drafting and negotiating franchising agreements and other commercial contracts. Reking is ranked as a “Next Generation Partner”, and Shanghai Elite (TMT, including AI and IP) for intellectual property by Legal 500 China 2026, a “Rising Star” and “Notable Practitioner” by Managing IP, “Individual – Enforcement and Litigation” by WTR1000 2026, “40 Under 40 2023” by LexisNexis APAC, and A List lawyer in intellectual property by China Business Law Journal 2026. Reking was invited to craft the China chapter of Lexology Panoramic: Franchise 2026. Reking is dually qualified to practice in China and the United States (California). He has served in multiple expert committees of INTA, and is currently sitting in the Madrid Systems Sub-committee.

Xiangxiang Ma is a partner at Anjie Broad LLP. She has a legal education background in both China and the United States, with over 15 years of professional experience. She has worked at multiple foreign law firms and venture capital funds, handling legal matters related to the full lifecycle of high-tech companies. This includes advising corporations and founders on issues concerning China’s technology policies and intellectual property rights. She possesses extensive experience in the TMT sector.

Nazeer Ali is a Capital Partner of Hanley Flight & Zimmerman, a patent project and prosecution boutique in Chicago that represents six of the top 25 US-based patent earning entities. Nazeer has over 13 years of experience in U.S. patent prosecution and counseling with respect to multifaceted and complex issues in the mechanical, electro-mechanical, manufacturing processes, and computer areas. Prior to working at HFZ, Nazeer worked as a design engineer on cellular phones, base stations, and fitness equipment.