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The voices shaping what’s next in IP.
Meet the people behind the ideas. Open a profile to discover their story and sessions.
54 speakers on the programme
Meet Michael
MICHAEL DRYJA has spent 30+ years representing technology-driven clients in the US. patent prosecution matters. His clients range from early-stage startups to major multinational technologies. companies, and his work emphasizes strategic portfolio development, including US patent filings and prosecution, often in collaboration with international law firms. Mr. Dryja’s practice includes substantial experience in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), software, computing, electronics, semiconductor fabrication, materials science, mechanical, and related technologies.
2 sessions on the agenda
Michael Dryja
Principal · Law Offices of Michael Dryja
United States
MICHAEL DRYJA has spent 30+ years representing technology-driven clients in the US. patent prosecution matters. His clients range from early-stage startups to major multinational technologies. companies, and his work emphasizes strategic portfolio development, including US patent filings and prosecution, often in collaboration with international law firms. Mr. Dryja’s practice includes substantial experience in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), software, computing, electronics, semiconductor fabrication, materials science, mechanical, and related technologies.
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Meet David
patent Attorney · Sanker IP
1 session on the agenda
David Sanker
patent Attorney · Sanker IP
United States
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Meet Dr.
Dr. Nichols trained as a NIH Postdoctoral Research Fellow and served as a biotechnology Patent Examiner at the USPTO. Dr. Nichols counsels clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields on intellectual property development, strategy, enforcement, fundraising, and licensing. Through a collaborative approach with clients, Dr. Nichols generates and oversees strategic approaches to build global patent portfolios and create value out of IP assets. Dr. Nichols also serves as an Attorney-Advisory for Venture Capital groups and Start-Ups. Prior to joining the firm, Dr. Nichols served as General Counsel for a Start-Up, overseeing all legal matters for the company, including intellectual property, state and federal regulatory matters, and capital fundraising.
2 sessions on the agenda
Dr. Christopher James Nichols
Partner · McBee Moore and Vanik IP Law
United States
Dr. Nichols trained as a NIH Postdoctoral Research Fellow and served as a biotechnology Patent Examiner at the USPTO. Dr. Nichols counsels clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields on intellectual property development, strategy, enforcement, fundraising, and licensing. Through a collaborative approach with clients, Dr. Nichols generates and oversees strategic approaches to build global patent portfolios and create value out of IP assets. Dr. Nichols also serves as an Attorney-Advisory for Venture Capital groups and Start-Ups. Prior to joining the firm, Dr. Nichols served as General Counsel for a Start-Up, overseeing all legal matters for the company, including intellectual property, state and federal regulatory matters, and capital fundraising.
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Meet Hon.
The Honorable Zuberi B. Williams (Ret.), known as “Judge Zu,” is Director and Chair of the Business Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice at Bayard, P.A. He previously served more than ten years as a Maryland District Court Judge and approximately 15 years in judicial and adjudicative roles. Today, he serves as a mediator and arbitrator in complex commercial, intellectual property, employment, technology, and business disputes and is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s National Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators. Judge Williams also teaches law and trial advocacy and serves as national faculty for legal and judicial training programs.
1 session on the agenda
Hon. Zuberi B. Williams
Director · Bayard, P.A.
United States
The Honorable Zuberi B. Williams (Ret.), known as “Judge Zu,” is Director and Chair of the Business Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice at Bayard, P.A. He previously served more than ten years as a Maryland District Court Judge and approximately 15 years in judicial and adjudicative roles. Today, he serves as a mediator and arbitrator in complex commercial, intellectual property, employment, technology, and business disputes and is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s National Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators. Judge Williams also teaches law and trial advocacy and serves as national faculty for legal and judicial training programs.
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Meet Serge
Serge De Coster Founder & CEO, Aegis Legal AI Serge is a senior executive, strategy advisor, and technology leader with 20 years of experience across strategy consulting, financial services, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. He scaled and transformed high-growth analytics businesses, including Coalition and Acin, where he held senior leadership roles, led expert and data science teams, and drove growth, operating transformation, and funding milestones. Over his career, Serge has advised and partnered with senior leaders at many of the world's leading financial institutions, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, as well as top-tier consulting firms including McKinsey and Oliver Wyman. Today, Serge is the Founder and CEO of Aegis Legal AI / Maidalv, where he is building the AI-native operating layer for modern law firms, combining attorney supervision, AI agents, analytics, and automation to scale legal services faster, better, and at lower cost.
1 session on the agenda
Serge De Coster
Founder & CEO · Aegis Legal AI
United States
Serge De Coster Founder & CEO, Aegis Legal AI Serge is a senior executive, strategy advisor, and technology leader with 20 years of experience across strategy consulting, financial services, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. He scaled and transformed high-growth analytics businesses, including Coalition and Acin, where he held senior leadership roles, led expert and data science teams, and drove growth, operating transformation, and funding milestones. Over his career, Serge has advised and partnered with senior leaders at many of the world's leading financial institutions, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, as well as top-tier consulting firms including McKinsey and Oliver Wyman. Today, Serge is the Founder and CEO of Aegis Legal AI / Maidalv, where he is building the AI-native operating layer for modern law firms, combining attorney supervision, AI agents, analytics, and automation to scale legal services faster, better, and at lower cost.
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Meet Jerry
Jerry Liu has taught over 35 classes since 2002 as a part-time and full-time Lecturer, and is currently teaching the undergraduate and graduate levels of Legal and Ethical Aspects of Business, and Law for Entrepreneurs. Jerry's background includes being a law firm partner, as well as serving as in-house counsel for ARRIS (divested to Vantiva and Amphenol) and as Director of Innovation and Patent Development for AT&T. He has extensive patent prosecution (procurement), litigation, and transactional expertise, and is an experienced patent developer and patent asset manager. Jerry is also a five-time technology startup entrepreneur, and is a named inventor on more than two dozen U.S. patents.
Jerry Liu
Lecturer · Georgia Institute of Technology
United States
Jerry Liu has taught over 35 classes since 2002 as a part-time and full-time Lecturer, and is currently teaching the undergraduate and graduate levels of Legal and Ethical Aspects of Business, and Law for Entrepreneurs. Jerry's background includes being a law firm partner, as well as serving as in-house counsel for ARRIS (divested to Vantiva and Amphenol) and as Director of Innovation and Patent Development for AT&T. He has extensive patent prosecution (procurement), litigation, and transactional expertise, and is an experienced patent developer and patent asset manager. Jerry is also a five-time technology startup entrepreneur, and is a named inventor on more than two dozen U.S. patents.
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Meet Dr.
Dr. Marc Nathmann, Senior Legal Counsel at ING Bank N.V., Amsterdam and Co Founder of FlexHub Digital Group, Berlin. Experience: 2004 to 2009 law studies at Münster and Speyer University, 2011 Japanese Law at Doshisha Law School, Kyoto and legal clerkship 2010 to 2012 at Regional Court of Münster and international law firms in Düsseldorf and Shanghai. 2013 to 2015 M&A lawyer at an international law firm in Düsseldorf. Since 2015 in-house legal counsel with Banks in Munich, professional focus on banking regulation. Since 2019 Legal Counsel with ING Group, in particular payment regulation and innovation. Academic focus on regulation of innovation in the field of banking and payments
2 sessions on the agenda
Dr. Marc Nathmann
Legal Counsel · ING
Germany
Dr. Marc Nathmann, Senior Legal Counsel at ING Bank N.V., Amsterdam and Co Founder of FlexHub Digital Group, Berlin. Experience: 2004 to 2009 law studies at Münster and Speyer University, 2011 Japanese Law at Doshisha Law School, Kyoto and legal clerkship 2010 to 2012 at Regional Court of Münster and international law firms in Düsseldorf and Shanghai. 2013 to 2015 M&A lawyer at an international law firm in Düsseldorf. Since 2015 in-house legal counsel with Banks in Munich, professional focus on banking regulation. Since 2019 Legal Counsel with ING Group, in particular payment regulation and innovation. Academic focus on regulation of innovation in the field of banking and payments
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Meet Michael
Michael A. Peroff is a trademark attorney at Peroff IP with approximately 15 years of experience in intellectual property law. He is also the Founder of Operation Bluebird, Inc. and Free The Bird Gaming LLC, a newly formed gaming company exploring the intersection of IP, technology, storytelling and digital culture.
1 session on the agenda
Michael A. Peroff
Attorney/Founder · Peroff IP/Operation Bluebird, Inc.
United States
Michael A. Peroff is a trademark attorney at Peroff IP with approximately 15 years of experience in intellectual property law. He is also the Founder of Operation Bluebird, Inc. and Free The Bird Gaming LLC, a newly formed gaming company exploring the intersection of IP, technology, storytelling and digital culture.
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Meet Rina
Rina Wang is Assistant General Counsel at Velo3D (Nasdaq: Velo), a metal 3D printing company. Ms. Wang was formerly with AI startup Prepared through its acquisition by a large public company, Axon. Previously, she was a senior counsel at Peet’s Coffee and startups in SaaS and molecular spirits. As Head of Legal at Silvaco, a semiconductor chip design company, she scaled legal functions for a subsequent IPO. She began her legal career as a litigator in private practice. She clerked for U.S. District Judges Carter and Roman in the Southern District of New York. Ms. Wang graduated from UCLA, summa cum laude, and the University of Michigan Law School.
1 session on the agenda
Rina Wang
Assistant General Counsel · Velo3D
United States
Rina Wang is Assistant General Counsel at Velo3D (Nasdaq: Velo), a metal 3D printing company. Ms. Wang was formerly with AI startup Prepared through its acquisition by a large public company, Axon. Previously, she was a senior counsel at Peet’s Coffee and startups in SaaS and molecular spirits. As Head of Legal at Silvaco, a semiconductor chip design company, she scaled legal functions for a subsequent IPO. She began her legal career as a litigator in private practice. She clerked for U.S. District Judges Carter and Roman in the Southern District of New York. Ms. Wang graduated from UCLA, summa cum laude, and the University of Michigan Law School.
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Meet Robert
Robert C. DeMaio is an American founder, inventor, and lifelong entrepreneur with experiences of launching businesses, inventing, and designing data and digital sovereign integrated hardware and technology ecosystems. Since entering the tech sector in 1999, his career has focused on modular electronics form factors, zero-trust digital infrastructures, and architectures centered on user data sovereignty, including app-less frameworks originating from a June 2021 priority baseline. As a sole inventor, DeMaio is the single architect behind an expansive, growing portfolio of issued United States utility and design patents. His technical blueprints introduce novel paradigms, including magnetically connectable modular devices, multi-screen integrations, and modular form factor wearable peripherals with stylish, external swappable batteries. His inventing, engineering, and development focus heavily on shifting mobile infrastructure away from unsecure technologies including cloud layers and software-encrypted cyber security to prevent data and intellectual property theft through a verified, zero-trust, unified architecture executing at the authorized user device. His personal core philosophy treats technical innovation and design as a binding ethical responsibility, anchoring his technologies to protective frameworks ensuring his architectural inventions and designs serve as a universal, stabilizing verified foundation built to secure and benefit every individual, family, and enterprise. Some of DeMaio’s inventions and architectures incorporate zero-trust verification, an app-less environment, and cross-platform execution technologies that verifiably connect systems while naturally ensuring absolute constant identity, authentication, and total data and digital sovereignty across networks. DeMaio has written extensively on macroeconomic frameworks for individuals' digital equity and the technical standards required to secure personal data and digital sovereignty.
4 sessions on the agenda
Robert DeMaio
Founder, Inventor and CEO · Phinge Corporation
United States
Robert C. DeMaio is an American founder, inventor, and lifelong entrepreneur with experiences of launching businesses, inventing, and designing data and digital sovereign integrated hardware and technology ecosystems. Since entering the tech sector in 1999, his career has focused on modular electronics form factors, zero-trust digital infrastructures, and architectures centered on user data sovereignty, including app-less frameworks originating from a June 2021 priority baseline. As a sole inventor, DeMaio is the single architect behind an expansive, growing portfolio of issued United States utility and design patents. His technical blueprints introduce novel paradigms, including magnetically connectable modular devices, multi-screen integrations, and modular form factor wearable peripherals with stylish, external swappable batteries. His inventing, engineering, and development focus heavily on shifting mobile infrastructure away from unsecure technologies including cloud layers and software-encrypted cyber security to prevent data and intellectual property theft through a verified, zero-trust, unified architecture executing at the authorized user device. His personal core philosophy treats technical innovation and design as a binding ethical responsibility, anchoring his technologies to protective frameworks ensuring his architectural inventions and designs serve as a universal, stabilizing verified foundation built to secure and benefit every individual, family, and enterprise. Some of DeMaio’s inventions and architectures incorporate zero-trust verification, an app-less environment, and cross-platform execution technologies that verifiably connect systems while naturally ensuring absolute constant identity, authentication, and total data and digital sovereignty across networks. DeMaio has written extensively on macroeconomic frameworks for individuals' digital equity and the technical standards required to secure personal data and digital sovereignty.
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Meet Alex
Associate Director · Vitek IP
1 session on the agenda
Alex Avstreykh
Associate Director · Vitek IP
United States
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Meet Colin
Colin Mendoza is a Los Angeles attorney with a practice spanning corporate, intellectual property, and entertainment matters, paired with civil litigation experience in California state and federal court. He currently serves as Chief General Counsel of Butterfli Technologies, Inc., advising the board of directors on corporate strategy and governance and negotiating the company's commercial and technology agreements, and as an associate attorney at Harris & Hayden LLP, where he handles commercial, employment, and intellectual property litigation. His earlier work includes digital rights licensing and music publishing agreements at Warner Chappell Music, software and technology licensing for a startup in the AR/VR and gaming space, and copyright, trademark, and entity formation work in the entertainment industry.
1 session on the agenda
Colin Mendoza
General Counsel · Butterfili technologes, inc.
United States
Colin Mendoza is a Los Angeles attorney with a practice spanning corporate, intellectual property, and entertainment matters, paired with civil litigation experience in California state and federal court. He currently serves as Chief General Counsel of Butterfli Technologies, Inc., advising the board of directors on corporate strategy and governance and negotiating the company's commercial and technology agreements, and as an associate attorney at Harris & Hayden LLP, where he handles commercial, employment, and intellectual property litigation. His earlier work includes digital rights licensing and music publishing agreements at Warner Chappell Music, software and technology licensing for a startup in the AR/VR and gaming space, and copyright, trademark, and entity formation work in the entertainment industry.
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Meet Habsat
Habsat Badmus is a recent graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor and High Tech Law Certificate, with a focus on intellectual property, technology, cybersecurity, privacy, and innovation-driven industries. She also has a background in biochemistry, providing her with a strong foundation for understanding complex scientific and technical issues within the practice of intellectual property law. Her legal experience spans intellectual property, patent litigation, appellate practice, and trial court matters. At an intellectual property boutique firm, Habsat worked on patent disputes involving infringement analysis, patent claim mapping, enforcement strategies, and PTAB-related matters. She gained hands-on experience drafting patent infringement claim charts, demand letters, and legal memoranda addressing complex intellectual property issues. Habsat also served as a Judicial Extern for Justice Adrienne M. Grover at the California Court of Appeals, Sixth Appellate District, where she conducted legal research, prepared bench memoranda, and supported the analysis of complex procedural and substantive issues. She previously served as a Judicial Intern for Judge Evette Pennypacker of the Santa Clara Superior Court, assisting with proposed opinions, court orders, and law and motion matters. Habsat is particularly interested in patent litigation and transactions, where she brings together her scientific background, legal training, and passion for intellectual property. Her professional interests center on translating complex technical and legal issues into clear, strategic, and persuasive advocacy.
1 session on the agenda
Habsat Badmus
IP Attorney in Intellectual Property
United States
Habsat Badmus is a recent graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor and High Tech Law Certificate, with a focus on intellectual property, technology, cybersecurity, privacy, and innovation-driven industries. She also has a background in biochemistry, providing her with a strong foundation for understanding complex scientific and technical issues within the practice of intellectual property law. Her legal experience spans intellectual property, patent litigation, appellate practice, and trial court matters. At an intellectual property boutique firm, Habsat worked on patent disputes involving infringement analysis, patent claim mapping, enforcement strategies, and PTAB-related matters. She gained hands-on experience drafting patent infringement claim charts, demand letters, and legal memoranda addressing complex intellectual property issues. Habsat also served as a Judicial Extern for Justice Adrienne M. Grover at the California Court of Appeals, Sixth Appellate District, where she conducted legal research, prepared bench memoranda, and supported the analysis of complex procedural and substantive issues. She previously served as a Judicial Intern for Judge Evette Pennypacker of the Santa Clara Superior Court, assisting with proposed opinions, court orders, and law and motion matters. Habsat is particularly interested in patent litigation and transactions, where she brings together her scientific background, legal training, and passion for intellectual property. Her professional interests center on translating complex technical and legal issues into clear, strategic, and persuasive advocacy.
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Meet Konrad
Managing Shareholder · Trope and Trope
Konrad Trope
Managing Shareholder · Trope and Trope
United States
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Meet Malgorzata
Malgorzata “Gosia” Kulczycka is an experienced attorney in the firm’s Silicon Valley office with a broad-based IP law practice. With more than 17 years of legal experience, Gosia works to protect and support her clients’ intellectual property through patent preparation and prosecution and by employing trademark and brand protection strategies for and against infringement claims. Inventor herself, Gosia practices in various IP areas and technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, communication technologies, complex software and more. Gosia has a great deal of experience in the areas of computer graphics and computer networks. She has experience procuring and managing large IP client accounts in the fields of computer graphics and artificial intelligence. In 2022, Gosia represented a defendant in six patent reexamination cases and succeeded in all of them. Gosia, a skilled communicator with strong attention to detail and a broad technical background, specializes in a wide range of intellectual property matters. She hones in on the truly novel facets of the innovation and encourages clients to consider different perspectives to capture inventions accurately and comprehensively. Gosia holds a Ph.D. degree in computer science and engineering from Oakland University in Michigan and a J.D. degree from the University Of San Diego School Of Law. She is also an active member of the American Bar Association’s IP section and the American Intellectual Property Law Association, where she has presented several webinars.
1 session on the agenda
Malgorzata (Gosia) A. Kulczycka
Partner · PATTERSON + SHERIDAN LLP
United States
Malgorzata “Gosia” Kulczycka is an experienced attorney in the firm’s Silicon Valley office with a broad-based IP law practice. With more than 17 years of legal experience, Gosia works to protect and support her clients’ intellectual property through patent preparation and prosecution and by employing trademark and brand protection strategies for and against infringement claims. Inventor herself, Gosia practices in various IP areas and technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, communication technologies, complex software and more. Gosia has a great deal of experience in the areas of computer graphics and computer networks. She has experience procuring and managing large IP client accounts in the fields of computer graphics and artificial intelligence. In 2022, Gosia represented a defendant in six patent reexamination cases and succeeded in all of them. Gosia, a skilled communicator with strong attention to detail and a broad technical background, specializes in a wide range of intellectual property matters. She hones in on the truly novel facets of the innovation and encourages clients to consider different perspectives to capture inventions accurately and comprehensively. Gosia holds a Ph.D. degree in computer science and engineering from Oakland University in Michigan and a J.D. degree from the University Of San Diego School Of Law. She is also an active member of the American Bar Association’s IP section and the American Intellectual Property Law Association, where she has presented several webinars.
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Meet Earl
Earl Nied is the founder of Veracity IP Consulting LLC, which was established in 2023 to provide strategic guidance on intellectual property and standards development. Veracity IP assists clients in navigating and participating in standards development organizations (SDOs), forming new consortia, and addressing the business and legal implications of intellectual property rights policies in collaborative technology environments. Before founding Veracity IP, Earl held senior leadership roles at Intel Corporation over a career spanning more than 40 years. He served as U.S. Director of IP Policy and Global Director for Standards-Related Intellectual Property Rights, where he led engineering and legal teams and contributed to Intel’s global policy and regulatory strategies. Earl is a respected leader in the standards and intellectual property (IP) community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). From 2012 to 2015, he chaired ANSI’sIntellectual Property Rights Policy Committee (IPRPC). His influence extends across numerous global and regional SDOs and industry consortia, where he played a pivotal role in shaping intellectual property policies. His contributions include working with ANSI, AVS (China), CESI (China), DVB, ECMA International, ETSI, JEDEC, IEEE, InfiniBand Trade Association, ITU/ISO/IEC, PCI-SIG, USB Implementers Forum, and others.
1 session on the agenda
Earl Nied
Founder · Veracity IP Consulting
United States
Earl Nied is the founder of Veracity IP Consulting LLC, which was established in 2023 to provide strategic guidance on intellectual property and standards development. Veracity IP assists clients in navigating and participating in standards development organizations (SDOs), forming new consortia, and addressing the business and legal implications of intellectual property rights policies in collaborative technology environments. Before founding Veracity IP, Earl held senior leadership roles at Intel Corporation over a career spanning more than 40 years. He served as U.S. Director of IP Policy and Global Director for Standards-Related Intellectual Property Rights, where he led engineering and legal teams and contributed to Intel’s global policy and regulatory strategies. Earl is a respected leader in the standards and intellectual property (IP) community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). From 2012 to 2015, he chaired ANSI’sIntellectual Property Rights Policy Committee (IPRPC). His influence extends across numerous global and regional SDOs and industry consortia, where he played a pivotal role in shaping intellectual property policies. His contributions include working with ANSI, AVS (China), CESI (China), DVB, ECMA International, ETSI, JEDEC, IEEE, InfiniBand Trade Association, ITU/ISO/IEC, PCI-SIG, USB Implementers Forum, and others.
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Meet Jaime
Jaime A. Siegel is a globally recognized intellectual property strategist, licensing executive, entrepreneur, and legal expert with more than three decades of experience in patent licensing, litigation, portfolio management, and intellectual property commercialization. He is the Founder and CEO of Cerebral Assets, LLC, an intellectual property advisory firm that provides strategic consulting, licensing representation, patent valuation, due diligence, and expert witness services to leading global organizations, including Apple, Toyota Motor North America, Alibaba, AT&T, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Open Invention Network, and numerous technology innovators. Prior to founding Cerebral Assets, Jaime served as Executive Vice President of Litigation & Licensing at Acacia Research Corporation, where he oversaw revenue-generating licensing and litigation operations. He also spent over 15 years at Sony Corporation of America, ultimately serving as Vice President and Senior Intellectual Property Counsel. During his tenure, he led complex global licensing programs, intellectual property acquisitions, patent litigation strategies, and cross-industry patent pool initiatives that generated billions of dollars in revenue. An accomplished educator and thought leader, Jaime served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, teaching Patent Litigation and The Law and Business of Patent Licensing. He has also been an Expert in Residence at the University of California, Irvine, mentoring startups and innovators on intellectual property strategy. Recognized as one of the IAM Top 300 IP Strategists and a WIPR Leader for multiple consecutive years, Jaime is a sought-after speaker, author, arbitrator, and expert witness. His extensive experience at the intersection of law, technology, business, and innovation has made him a trusted advisor to corporations, investors, and emerging technology companies worldwide.
Jaime Siegel
Founder and CEO · Cerebral Assets, LLC
United States
Jaime A. Siegel is a globally recognized intellectual property strategist, licensing executive, entrepreneur, and legal expert with more than three decades of experience in patent licensing, litigation, portfolio management, and intellectual property commercialization. He is the Founder and CEO of Cerebral Assets, LLC, an intellectual property advisory firm that provides strategic consulting, licensing representation, patent valuation, due diligence, and expert witness services to leading global organizations, including Apple, Toyota Motor North America, Alibaba, AT&T, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Open Invention Network, and numerous technology innovators. Prior to founding Cerebral Assets, Jaime served as Executive Vice President of Litigation & Licensing at Acacia Research Corporation, where he oversaw revenue-generating licensing and litigation operations. He also spent over 15 years at Sony Corporation of America, ultimately serving as Vice President and Senior Intellectual Property Counsel. During his tenure, he led complex global licensing programs, intellectual property acquisitions, patent litigation strategies, and cross-industry patent pool initiatives that generated billions of dollars in revenue. An accomplished educator and thought leader, Jaime served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, teaching Patent Litigation and The Law and Business of Patent Licensing. He has also been an Expert in Residence at the University of California, Irvine, mentoring startups and innovators on intellectual property strategy. Recognized as one of the IAM Top 300 IP Strategists and a WIPR Leader for multiple consecutive years, Jaime is a sought-after speaker, author, arbitrator, and expert witness. His extensive experience at the intersection of law, technology, business, and innovation has made him a trusted advisor to corporations, investors, and emerging technology companies worldwide.
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Meet Nazeer
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.
1 session on the agenda
Nazeer Ali
Partner · Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman
United States
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.
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Meet Soody
Strategic Legal Executive · STLG Law Firm
1 session on the agenda
Soody Tronson
Strategic Legal Executive · STLG Law Firm
United States
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Meet William
William Mansfield is the Director of Intellectual Property for ABRO Industries, Inc. headquartered in South Bend, Indiana. ABRO exports a wide variety of household, automotive and light industrial goods such as glues, tapes and oils from the United States under the ABRO® brand to individuals in developing nations worldwide. Mr. Mansfield is in charge of protecting the over 2,000 trademarks ABRO has registered in over 175 countries. He has himself traveled to 59 foreign countries and handled matters in over 160. Mr. Mansfield, after a stint in the U.S. Army working with Military Intelligence, began his work in intellectual.
3 sessions on the agenda
William Mansfield
Director of Intellectual Property · ABRO Industries, Inc.
William Mansfield is the Director of Intellectual Property for ABRO Industries, Inc. headquartered in South Bend, Indiana. ABRO exports a wide variety of household, automotive and light industrial goods such as glues, tapes and oils from the United States under the ABRO® brand to individuals in developing nations worldwide. Mr. Mansfield is in charge of protecting the over 2,000 trademarks ABRO has registered in over 175 countries. He has himself traveled to 59 foreign countries and handled matters in over 160. Mr. Mansfield, after a stint in the U.S. Army working with Military Intelligence, began his work in intellectual.
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Meet Shriya
Shriya Varma is an internationally qualified attorney and intellectual property professional with experience spanning the United States, Europe, and India. She specializes in intellectual property, technology transactions, privacy, and emerging technology governance, with a particular focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence, innovation, and global regulatory frameworks. Shriya served as a legal and compliance professional supporting multinational technology and life sciences organizations on complex commercial agreements, software licensing, data-sharing arrangements, and intellectual property strategy. Her work has included advising global stakeholders on privacy, AI governance, technology commercialization, and cross-border legal risks across North America, Europe, and Asia. She holds an LL.M. from the University of California Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), where she was awarded the Virginia Leary Merit Scholarship and served as an Editor of the UC Law Science & Technology Journal. Shriya has contributed to scholarship and industry discussions on intellectual property in healthcare, cyberspace, digital commerce, and emerging technologies. Her publications and presentations have focused on trademark protection in the digital economy, intellectual property challenges in healthcare innovation, and the evolving relationship between AI and intellectual property law. At IIPLA 2026, Shriya will contribute to discussions on the future of global intellectual property, international collaboration, and the opportunities and challenges that emerging technologies present for innovators and rights holders worldwide.
2 sessions on the agenda
Shriya Varma
Director of Legal Operations and Compliance · West Coast Innovation Inc
United States
Shriya Varma is an internationally qualified attorney and intellectual property professional with experience spanning the United States, Europe, and India. She specializes in intellectual property, technology transactions, privacy, and emerging technology governance, with a particular focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence, innovation, and global regulatory frameworks. Shriya served as a legal and compliance professional supporting multinational technology and life sciences organizations on complex commercial agreements, software licensing, data-sharing arrangements, and intellectual property strategy. Her work has included advising global stakeholders on privacy, AI governance, technology commercialization, and cross-border legal risks across North America, Europe, and Asia. She holds an LL.M. from the University of California Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), where she was awarded the Virginia Leary Merit Scholarship and served as an Editor of the UC Law Science & Technology Journal. Shriya has contributed to scholarship and industry discussions on intellectual property in healthcare, cyberspace, digital commerce, and emerging technologies. Her publications and presentations have focused on trademark protection in the digital economy, intellectual property challenges in healthcare innovation, and the evolving relationship between AI and intellectual property law. At IIPLA 2026, Shriya will contribute to discussions on the future of global intellectual property, international collaboration, and the opportunities and challenges that emerging technologies present for innovators and rights holders worldwide.
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Meet Subroto
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.
2 sessions on the agenda
Subroto Bose
Head of IP · Astera Labs
United States
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.
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Meet Azam
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.
1 session on the agenda
Azam Ghani
Founder · IIPLA
United States
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.
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Meet Babak
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.
1 session on the agenda
Babak Akhlaghi
Founder and Managing Director · NovoTech Patent Firm
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.
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Meet Aden
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.
3 sessions on the agenda
Aden Chen
Managing Partner · Lawjay Partners
China
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.
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Meet Dr.
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.
Dr. Yajun Hao
Attorney · Beijing Trophy Law Firm
China
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.
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Meet Reking
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.
Reking Chen
Partner · Shanghai YaoWang Law Offices
China
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.
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Meet Xiangxiang
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.
Xiangxiang Ma
Partner · ANJIE BROAD LLP
China
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.
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PA
Meet Poonam
Sr. Business Analyst · Tredence Inc.
Poonam Ahuja
Sr. Business Analyst · Tredence Inc.
United States
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Meet Priya
Director of Intellectual Property · UC San Diego Office of Innovation and Commercialization
Priya Sinha
Director of Intellectual Property · UC San Diego Office of Innovation and Commercialization
United States
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Meet Jack
Jack Chen spent fifteen years inside Google and Meta — not advising from outside, but embedded at the moment of decision. At Meta, he led the ads legal operation behind a $120B revenue portfolio When platform privacy changes eliminated 70% of monetizable data — an existential threat — Jack’s team co-engineered a first-of-its-kind privacy-enhancing architecture with developers rather than drafting defensive memos. Enterprise valuation moved by $500B valuationIn nine months. At Google, he engineered the unified legal and compliance architecture that brought Android, Play, and Chromebooks together as one platform — through a tangle of distinct privacy rules, conflicting contract strategies, and continuous IP litigation. Legal became the lever, not the obstacle. The relaunch multiplied daily active users from 5 million to 50 million and put a Chromebook in the hands of one of every two American students. He also managed open-source strategy for Chrome OS. When a UK regulator objected to market entry, Jack engaged the regulatory officers directly — and the same body that had blocked the path commended his work in its official report. The obstacle became the endorsement. Jack is an engineer who became a lawyer: computer science at Harvard and UC Berkeley, Fordham Law, and 40+ U.S. patents spanning wireless technology, UI/UX, and sentiment analysis. His privacy decisions have reached more than one billion users. He is also blind — every line above accomplished without sight. It is why his firm is named Foresight::Legal: a lifetime of seeing beyond limits, now applied to what legal departments can become. Jack speaks on transforming legal from cost center to growth engine. His TEDx talk received a standing ovation; his work has been featured by Bloomberg, Fortune, and the BBC.
2 sessions on the agenda
Jack Chen
Counsel · Foresight Legal Services
United States
Jack Chen spent fifteen years inside Google and Meta — not advising from outside, but embedded at the moment of decision. At Meta, he led the ads legal operation behind a $120B revenue portfolio When platform privacy changes eliminated 70% of monetizable data — an existential threat — Jack’s team co-engineered a first-of-its-kind privacy-enhancing architecture with developers rather than drafting defensive memos. Enterprise valuation moved by $500B valuationIn nine months. At Google, he engineered the unified legal and compliance architecture that brought Android, Play, and Chromebooks together as one platform — through a tangle of distinct privacy rules, conflicting contract strategies, and continuous IP litigation. Legal became the lever, not the obstacle. The relaunch multiplied daily active users from 5 million to 50 million and put a Chromebook in the hands of one of every two American students. He also managed open-source strategy for Chrome OS. When a UK regulator objected to market entry, Jack engaged the regulatory officers directly — and the same body that had blocked the path commended his work in its official report. The obstacle became the endorsement. Jack is an engineer who became a lawyer: computer science at Harvard and UC Berkeley, Fordham Law, and 40+ U.S. patents spanning wireless technology, UI/UX, and sentiment analysis. His privacy decisions have reached more than one billion users. He is also blind — every line above accomplished without sight. It is why his firm is named Foresight::Legal: a lifetime of seeing beyond limits, now applied to what legal departments can become. Jack speaks on transforming legal from cost center to growth engine. His TEDx talk received a standing ovation; his work has been featured by Bloomberg, Fortune, and the BBC.
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Meet Keith
Keith Bergelt is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Open Invention Network (OIN), the collaborative enterprise that enables innovation in open source and an increasingly vibrant ecosystem around Linux. In this capacity he is directly responsible for enabling, influencing and defending the integrity of the Linux ecosystem. Central to the achievement of his goals is the acquisition and transfer of patent rights designed to permit members of the Linux ecosystem to operate free of the threat of assertion and litigation from those whose business models are antithetical to innovation and global economic growth in information technology and computing. Prior to joining the Open Invention Network, Mr. Bergelt served as president and CEO of two Hedge Funds – Paradox Capital and IPI – formed to unlock the considerable asset value of patents, trademarks and copyrights in middle market companies. Paradox and IPI were the first Funds of their kind to offer specialty lending products supported exclusively by intellectual property. Driven by Mr. Bergelt’s creativity and entrepreneurial approach, these funds enabled the emergence of patents, trademarks and copyrights as a viable source of collateral in asset-based loans, forever reshaping the emerging IP Finance landscape. During Mr. Bergelt’s stewardship of these IP-based lending activities, he raised more than $300 million dollars and financed portfolio companies of private equity firms including Texas Pacific Group, Kelso & Co., JH Whitney, Weston Presidio, Goode Partners, Palladium Capital and Castanea Partners, among others. Previously, Mr. Bergelt served as a senior advisor to the technology investment division at Texas Pacific Group. He also headed business development, intellectual property and licensing for the Kelso & Company portfolio company Cambridge Display Technology in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he established and served as General Manager of the Strategic Intellectual Asset Management business unit at Motorola Corporation and served as Motorola’s director of Technology Strategy. Mr. Bergelt was a co-founder of the Intellectual Property Advisory Practice within the Electronics and Telecommunications Industry group at SRI Consulting in Menlo Park, California. Prior to his extensive private sector experience, Mr. Bergelt served for twelve years as a diplomat with postings at the United Nations in NY and the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan where he was involved in the negotiation of IP rights protection in Asia.
1 session on the agenda
Keith Bergelt
Chief Executive Officer · Open Invention Network
Keith Bergelt is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Open Invention Network (OIN), the collaborative enterprise that enables innovation in open source and an increasingly vibrant ecosystem around Linux. In this capacity he is directly responsible for enabling, influencing and defending the integrity of the Linux ecosystem. Central to the achievement of his goals is the acquisition and transfer of patent rights designed to permit members of the Linux ecosystem to operate free of the threat of assertion and litigation from those whose business models are antithetical to innovation and global economic growth in information technology and computing. Prior to joining the Open Invention Network, Mr. Bergelt served as president and CEO of two Hedge Funds – Paradox Capital and IPI – formed to unlock the considerable asset value of patents, trademarks and copyrights in middle market companies. Paradox and IPI were the first Funds of their kind to offer specialty lending products supported exclusively by intellectual property. Driven by Mr. Bergelt’s creativity and entrepreneurial approach, these funds enabled the emergence of patents, trademarks and copyrights as a viable source of collateral in asset-based loans, forever reshaping the emerging IP Finance landscape. During Mr. Bergelt’s stewardship of these IP-based lending activities, he raised more than $300 million dollars and financed portfolio companies of private equity firms including Texas Pacific Group, Kelso & Co., JH Whitney, Weston Presidio, Goode Partners, Palladium Capital and Castanea Partners, among others. Previously, Mr. Bergelt served as a senior advisor to the technology investment division at Texas Pacific Group. He also headed business development, intellectual property and licensing for the Kelso & Company portfolio company Cambridge Display Technology in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he established and served as General Manager of the Strategic Intellectual Asset Management business unit at Motorola Corporation and served as Motorola’s director of Technology Strategy. Mr. Bergelt was a co-founder of the Intellectual Property Advisory Practice within the Electronics and Telecommunications Industry group at SRI Consulting in Menlo Park, California. Prior to his extensive private sector experience, Mr. Bergelt served for twelve years as a diplomat with postings at the United Nations in NY and the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan where he was involved in the negotiation of IP rights protection in Asia.
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Meet Ajay
Founder and Managing Partner · IP Spring
1 session on the agenda
Ajay Gambhir
Founder and Managing Partner · IP Spring
United States
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Meet Dr.
Co-Founder · IIPLA
2 sessions on the agenda
Dr. Masoud Vakili
Co-Founder · IIPLA
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Meet Yash
Foreign Legal Counsel · DevRev
Yash Shailesh Bajaj
Foreign Legal Counsel · DevRev
United States
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Meet Aleksandra
Partner · Domański Zakrzewski Palinka sp. k.
2 sessions on the agenda
Aleksandra Auleytner
Partner · Domański Zakrzewski Palinka sp. k.
Poland
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Meet James
James Hannah is a trial litigator with more than 25 years of experience representing clients in high‑stakes patent, trade secret, and technology‑driven commercial disputes. He brings a strategic, business-minded approach to every engagement, combining courtroom experience with deep technical fluency. He has been named a “Legal Lion” by Law360 and highlighted by the Daily Journal for securing some of the largest and most significant verdicts. He has tried cases to verdict in federal and state courts across the country and has led matters before the PTAB, the ITC, and the Federal Circuit. He has extensive experience representing clients in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings, where he has successfully handled hundreds of trials on behalf of both petitioners and patent owners. His experience makes him a go-to advisor for companies facing sophisticated post-grant challenges and parallel litigation.
1 session on the agenda
James Hannah
Partner · Brown Rudnick
United States
James Hannah is a trial litigator with more than 25 years of experience representing clients in high‑stakes patent, trade secret, and technology‑driven commercial disputes. He brings a strategic, business-minded approach to every engagement, combining courtroom experience with deep technical fluency. He has been named a “Legal Lion” by Law360 and highlighted by the Daily Journal for securing some of the largest and most significant verdicts. He has tried cases to verdict in federal and state courts across the country and has led matters before the PTAB, the ITC, and the Federal Circuit. He has extensive experience representing clients in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings, where he has successfully handled hundreds of trials on behalf of both petitioners and patent owners. His experience makes him a go-to advisor for companies facing sophisticated post-grant challenges and parallel litigation.
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Meet Ryan
Ryan Smith is a partner in the patent litigation and trial practice at Wilson Sonsini. He has served as lead counsel in prosecuting and defending patent infringement actions in federal courts throughout the country, including before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Ryan has litigated hundreds of patent cases involving a broad spectrum of subject matters, including semiconductors, computer networking, consumer electronics, enterprise software, and financial technology. He has drafted and negotiated more than 100 patent license agreements in a variety of contexts, including settlement of litigation and as part of more extensive business deals. Ryan also advises companies regarding the impact of patent litigation on various transactions, including IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases. He is an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University School of Law, where he teaches a course on intellectual property litigation. Ryan received his J.D. from New York University School of Law and his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington.
1 session on the agenda
Ryan Smith,
Partner, · Wilson Sonsini
United States
Ryan Smith is a partner in the patent litigation and trial practice at Wilson Sonsini. He has served as lead counsel in prosecuting and defending patent infringement actions in federal courts throughout the country, including before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Ryan has litigated hundreds of patent cases involving a broad spectrum of subject matters, including semiconductors, computer networking, consumer electronics, enterprise software, and financial technology. He has drafted and negotiated more than 100 patent license agreements in a variety of contexts, including settlement of litigation and as part of more extensive business deals. Ryan also advises companies regarding the impact of patent litigation on various transactions, including IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases. He is an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University School of Law, where he teaches a course on intellectual property litigation. Ryan received his J.D. from New York University School of Law and his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington.
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Meet Denzel
Partner · Cadet Legal
2 sessions on the agenda
Denzel cadet
Partner · Cadet Legal
United States
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Meet Joel
Co Founder · Carlton Elleker Chase UK
1 session on the agenda
Joel Barry
Co Founder · Carlton Elleker Chase UK
United Kingdom
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Meet Diego
Diego Ortiz Baigts is an attorney and Head of Intellectual Property at SESMA, SESMA & MCNEES in Mexico City. He advises domestic and international companies on the strategic protection, management and enforcement of intangible assets, with a practice focused on the intersection of law, business, technology and regulation. His work involves helping organizations address complex legal and commercial challenges arising from innovation, emerging technologies and highly regulated industries. His experience spans patents, trademarks, copyright, enforcement and litigation, as well as regulatory, healthcare, advertising, compliance and emerging technology matters. He advises on complex and cross-border matters where protecting and leveraging intangible assets requires coordination across multiple areas of law and a clear understanding of broader business objectives. He holds a Law Degree from Universidad Iberoamericana and postgraduate studies in Law from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Intellectual Property, Copyright and New Technologies at Universidad Panamericana.
2 sessions on the agenda
Diego Oritz baigts
Attorney and Head of Intellectual Property · SESMA & MCNEES
Mexico
Diego Ortiz Baigts is an attorney and Head of Intellectual Property at SESMA, SESMA & MCNEES in Mexico City. He advises domestic and international companies on the strategic protection, management and enforcement of intangible assets, with a practice focused on the intersection of law, business, technology and regulation. His work involves helping organizations address complex legal and commercial challenges arising from innovation, emerging technologies and highly regulated industries. His experience spans patents, trademarks, copyright, enforcement and litigation, as well as regulatory, healthcare, advertising, compliance and emerging technology matters. He advises on complex and cross-border matters where protecting and leveraging intangible assets requires coordination across multiple areas of law and a clear understanding of broader business objectives. He holds a Law Degree from Universidad Iberoamericana and postgraduate studies in Law from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Intellectual Property, Copyright and New Technologies at Universidad Panamericana.
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Meet Bridget
Patent attorney and senior director · Relativity Space
1 session on the agenda
Bridget Smith
Patent attorney and senior director · Relativity Space
United States
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Meet Nils
Founder and CEO · Artificial Rules
1 session on the agenda
Nils Tracy
Founder and CEO · Artificial Rules
United States
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Meet Peter
Peter Munyi is the Managing Partner of iPGMA, Gitahi Munyi & Associates Advocates LLP. He has over 25 years’ experience spanning intellectual property practice, academia and international policy advisory work, and has advised clients, governments and institutions across Africa on intellectual property, innovation, regulatory compliance, technology transfer, and access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. His practice combines a global understanding of intellectual property law and policy with extensive experience applying it within national and African legal, regulatory and commercial environments. Admitted to practice in Kenya, Peter holds a PhD from Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands, an LL.M. in European Intellectual Property Law from Stockholm University, Sweden; and an LL.B. from Moi University, Kenya. He also holds a postgraduate certificate in the regulation of genetic engineering.
2 sessions on the agenda
Peter Munyi
Managing Partner
Kenya
Peter Munyi is the Managing Partner of iPGMA, Gitahi Munyi & Associates Advocates LLP. He has over 25 years’ experience spanning intellectual property practice, academia and international policy advisory work, and has advised clients, governments and institutions across Africa on intellectual property, innovation, regulatory compliance, technology transfer, and access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. His practice combines a global understanding of intellectual property law and policy with extensive experience applying it within national and African legal, regulatory and commercial environments. Admitted to practice in Kenya, Peter holds a PhD from Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands, an LL.M. in European Intellectual Property Law from Stockholm University, Sweden; and an LL.B. from Moi University, Kenya. He also holds a postgraduate certificate in the regulation of genetic engineering.
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Meet Yi
Counsel · Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP
1 session on the agenda
Yi Sun Wilkinson
Counsel · Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP
United States
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Meet Masoud
Co-Founder · IIPLA
Masoud Vakili
Co-Founder · IIPLA
United States
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Meet Pouya
Pouya Taaghol, PhD, is a technology executive, inventor, and entrepreneur with more than 71 patents across AI, wireless communications, and connected systems. He has dedicated over 12 years to developing and commercializing AI technologies and intellectual property. Formerly CTO at Cisco and Intel, he is currently Founder and CEO of Big Data Federation, an AI fintech company focused on public financial markets, and founder of One Transform, an AI-powered patent research platform.
1 session on the agenda
Pouya Taaghol
CEO & Founder · One Transform, Inc
United States
Pouya Taaghol, PhD, is a technology executive, inventor, and entrepreneur with more than 71 patents across AI, wireless communications, and connected systems. He has dedicated over 12 years to developing and commercializing AI technologies and intellectual property. Formerly CTO at Cisco and Intel, he is currently Founder and CEO of Big Data Federation, an AI fintech company focused on public financial markets, and founder of One Transform, an AI-powered patent research platform.
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Meet Rohit
Rohit Chandra is an inventor and patent owner with approximately 20 issued U.S. patents covering technologies used at massive scale. He invented the personalized URL - username prepended to domain - which, by the last estimates, is used by over a billion users. His broader patents have accumulated in excess of a 1,000 forward citations and cover technologies woven into everyday digital life such as: embedding YouTube videos across the web; displaying selected content in widgets on Twitter, Pinterest, iPhones and Samsung devices; highlighting search results on Google; highlighting text on Amazon Kindle; Re-Tweeting; search technologies; collaboration; and social networking. Obvious today. Not when he invented and patented them. A central thread is moving beyond the webpage as the basic unit of the Internet and enabling micro-user interests on smaller portions of content such as a snippet, a video-fragment, post or other smaller portions - to share, embed, collaborate and advertise. His patents have extensive citations by Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Google, Adobe, Verizon etc. Choosing to be a pro-se inventor, Rohit’s patent claims are extremely nuanced, reflecting the distinctly comprehensive advantage of an engineer, inventor, businessman, and legal strategist. Rohit has marketed portfolios to major technology companies and completed private patent transactions, including million-dollar-plus patent sale. His current patents are uniquely positioned for licensing, acquisition, enforcement and litigation funding, and include open prosecution dating back to 2006.
2 sessions on the agenda
Rohit Chandra
Founder & CEO · Pop Top Corp
United States
Rohit Chandra is an inventor and patent owner with approximately 20 issued U.S. patents covering technologies used at massive scale. He invented the personalized URL - username prepended to domain - which, by the last estimates, is used by over a billion users. His broader patents have accumulated in excess of a 1,000 forward citations and cover technologies woven into everyday digital life such as: embedding YouTube videos across the web; displaying selected content in widgets on Twitter, Pinterest, iPhones and Samsung devices; highlighting search results on Google; highlighting text on Amazon Kindle; Re-Tweeting; search technologies; collaboration; and social networking. Obvious today. Not when he invented and patented them. A central thread is moving beyond the webpage as the basic unit of the Internet and enabling micro-user interests on smaller portions of content such as a snippet, a video-fragment, post or other smaller portions - to share, embed, collaborate and advertise. His patents have extensive citations by Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Google, Adobe, Verizon etc. Choosing to be a pro-se inventor, Rohit’s patent claims are extremely nuanced, reflecting the distinctly comprehensive advantage of an engineer, inventor, businessman, and legal strategist. Rohit has marketed portfolios to major technology companies and completed private patent transactions, including million-dollar-plus patent sale. His current patents are uniquely positioned for licensing, acquisition, enforcement and litigation funding, and include open prosecution dating back to 2006.
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Meet Michael
Michael T. Yonker is from Fresno, California. He graduated from the University of California at Davis, in 1994, with a double major in Chemistry and Political Science, as well as a minor in German. He graduated from New York University School of Law, in 1998. He practiced in Manhattan for approximately 17 years, before returning to California in 2015. He has taught at the university and community college levels.
2 sessions on the agenda
Michael T. Yonker
Principal · The Law Office of Michael T. Yonker
United States
Michael T. Yonker is from Fresno, California. He graduated from the University of California at Davis, in 1994, with a double major in Chemistry and Political Science, as well as a minor in German. He graduated from New York University School of Law, in 1998. He practiced in Manhattan for approximately 17 years, before returning to California in 2015. He has taught at the university and community college levels.
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Meet Kalpana
Partner · ESCA Legal
1 session on the agenda
Kalpana Nagampalli
Partner · ESCA Legal
United States
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Meet Steve
As the founder of more than ten companies and a C-level executive across the telecommunications, medical device, legal services, and semiconductor industries, Mr. Taylor has led the development of products generating billions of dollars in revenue. His rare combination of deep technical leadership and commercial judgment gives him a distinctive position in the industry. As Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientist of Deriv8agi Inc., Mr. Taylor is reshaping enterprise AI through Plasticity AI™, a deterministic foundation model that captures workflows of any kind and turns them into real-time, actionable intelligence, without the hallucination and data-leakage risks inherent in LLMs. As Senior Partner at Modern IP Group, Mr. Taylor works with litigation funders on due diligence and litigation strategy alongside selected law firms. He has led strategy on more than fifteen patent infringement lawsuits. Mr. Taylor's work in consciousness research and synthetic sentience has established him as a recognized authority in the field. He will present a talk and paper at this year's Science of Consciousness Conference in San Diego in October.
1 session on the agenda
Steve Elan Taylor
Founder, CEO & Chief Scientist · Deriv8agi Inc.
United States
As the founder of more than ten companies and a C-level executive across the telecommunications, medical device, legal services, and semiconductor industries, Mr. Taylor has led the development of products generating billions of dollars in revenue. His rare combination of deep technical leadership and commercial judgment gives him a distinctive position in the industry. As Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientist of Deriv8agi Inc., Mr. Taylor is reshaping enterprise AI through Plasticity AI™, a deterministic foundation model that captures workflows of any kind and turns them into real-time, actionable intelligence, without the hallucination and data-leakage risks inherent in LLMs. As Senior Partner at Modern IP Group, Mr. Taylor works with litigation funders on due diligence and litigation strategy alongside selected law firms. He has led strategy on more than fifteen patent infringement lawsuits. Mr. Taylor's work in consciousness research and synthetic sentience has established him as a recognized authority in the field. He will present a talk and paper at this year's Science of Consciousness Conference in San Diego in October.
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Meet Lauren
Activated Law was built by a founder who knows entrepreneurship from first hand experience. We bring legal expertise backed by lived business experience, so every contract, clause, and strategy is backed by what actually drives revenue & growth. Our clients trust us because we don’t just think like CEOs, we are CEO’s. We don’t do transactional law. We deliver a premium, high-touch client journey, with clear communication, proactive updates via a private client portal, and thoughtful details that make the process feel seamless. Women CEOs come to us because they want a legal partner who values excellence, professionalism, & genuine connection.
1 session on the agenda
Lauren A. Morgan
CEO + Founder · Activated Law
United States
Activated Law was built by a founder who knows entrepreneurship from first hand experience. We bring legal expertise backed by lived business experience, so every contract, clause, and strategy is backed by what actually drives revenue & growth. Our clients trust us because we don’t just think like CEOs, we are CEO’s. We don’t do transactional law. We deliver a premium, high-touch client journey, with clear communication, proactive updates via a private client portal, and thoughtful details that make the process feel seamless. Women CEOs come to us because they want a legal partner who values excellence, professionalism, & genuine connection.
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Meet William
Partner · Omnus Law
1 session on the agenda
William E. Levin
Partner · Omnus Law
United States
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Meet Xin
Associate · Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
1 session on the agenda
Xin Xie
Associate · Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
United States
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