The Spark That Ignited IIPLA
In 2014, an idea sparked a global revolution in the world of Intellectual Property law, led by none other than Azam Ghani. With a background in electronics and communication engineering, Azam had already made waves in the IP world. His experience working with industry giants like Tata Consultancy Services and Evalueserve equipped him with deep expertise in patent claims and IP valuation. But he wanted more—a way to connect IP professionals from all corners of the globe across the entire spectrum of Intellectual Property law.
The Moment of Realization
The idea for the International Intellectual Property Law Association (IIPLA) came to Azam while attending prestigious American IP events such as AIPLA (American Intellectual Property Law Association) conferences. Though impressive, these events had a glaring limitation: they were restricted to the United States. Even INTA (International Trademark Association), with its global reach, focused narrowly on trademarks, leaving a major gap in comprehensive IP networking. Azam knew the world needed a truly international platform covering patents, trademarks, copyrights, and everything in between. That’s when the vision for IIPLA was born.
The Challenge of Making It Happen
In early 2014, Azam officially incorporated IIPLA and began the daunting task of organizing its first conference. But the journey wasn’t without hurdles. Although IIPLA was incorporated, the organization’s bank account wasn’t operational, creating a serious problem. A major client had sent a check to “International Intellectual Property Law Association,” but without a functioning bank account, everything was at risk.
A High-Stakes Adventure
Faced with this challenge, Azam sprang into action. He boarded a flight from India to the United States, determined to fix the situation. What followed was a whirlwind of paperwork and urgency as he navigated bank processes to activate the account and secure the $1,800 check that would keep IIPLA’s dreams alive. It was a nail-biting experience, but Azam’s resilience paid off, and IIPLA was back on track.
Launching the First Conference
With the groundwork laid, IIPLA launched its first major marketing push in March 2014 to gear up for the inaugural conference in January 2015. The venue? The vibrant, world-class city of Dubai. Azam knew Dubai would attract a global audience, making it the perfect launchpad. For months, the IIPLA team worked tirelessly, sending countless emails and promoting the event far and wide. By June, registrations were rolling in, and the anticipation was palpable.
The Grand Debut in Dubai
January 2015 marked the debut of IIPLA’s first-ever conference, and it was a resounding success. With 200 attendees from around the world and $80,000 in revenue generated, IIPLA had made a grand entrance onto the global IP stage. The event featured three days of parallel sessions, packed with engaging discussions and invaluable insights. Yet, as the event unfolded, Azam noticed something important: while the conference was grand, attendees craved more intimate, impactful interactions.
The Strategic Pivot
Taking this feedback to heart, Azam made a pivotal decision. He scaled down future conferences, opting for more focused, high-quality events that emphasized genuine networking and engaging discussions. This move transformed IIPLA into an exclusive experience, setting it apart from massive, impersonal gatherings and attracting top IP professionals who valued meaningful connections.
Expanding the Vision
With IIPLA firmly established, Azam’s ambitions grew. He launched additional event brands, including the World Litigation Forum and World Finance Council, to address emerging needs in the legal and financial sectors. What began as a bold idea had become a powerhouse of global influence, sparking critical conversations, uniting professionals, and unlocking opportunities worldwide.
A Testament to Vision and Determination
Today, IIPLA is a testament to Azam Ghani’s unwavering dedication and innovative spirit. From a high-stakes gamble to a world-renowned brand, IIPLA continues to shape the future of Intellectual Property law, proving that a single inspired idea—backed by courage and resilience—can change the world.
