Everything is bigger in Texas!
Join us for INTA’s largest event in North America in 2023
Just Announced: PAC Reception Speaker Russell Fry (United States Representative, South Carolina, USA)
Our annual Leadership Meeting is an invitation-only event for our Board and members who volunteer on committees and project teams. Join us to get involved with the Association, participate in critical conversations, and help shape the future of the IP landscape.
INTA’s Leadership Meeting is by invitation only to currently active committee members and volunteers.
Pricing (USD)
Early Bird | Standard | Onsite | |
July 12, 2023–September 8 | September 9, 2023–November 10 | November 14–17 | |
Member | $1,125 | $1,325 | $1,525 |
Emeritus Member | $650 | $650 | $650 |
Non-Profit Member | $650 | $650 | $650 |
University Member | $650 | $650 | $650 |
Professor Member | $350 | $350 | $350 |
Government Member | $650 | $650 | $650 |
Student Member | $250 | $250 | $250 |
Refunds & Substitutions
We encourage you to review our Event Policies, which apply to all INTA events.
Refunds
For consideration of a refund for this Meeting, submit your Refund Request Form to INTA Member Operations stating in detail the reason for the refund request and including copies of relevant supporting documents for the refund request.
Full refunds for the registration fee paid will be issued only if a refund request is received by Friday, September 8, 2023, 11:59 p.m. (United States Eastern Time).
Full refunds for the registration fee, minus a cancellation fee of US $150, will be issued for refunds requested after Friday, September 8, 2023, 11:59 p.m. (United States Eastern Time).
No refund requests will be accepted, and no refunds will be given beyond Friday, November 10, 2023, 11:59 p.m. (United States Eastern Time).
Substitutions
Your base registration for this Conference is transferable to another person affiliated with your member organization umbrella.
To facilitate the substitution process, please submit your Substitution Request Form to INTA Member Operations, stating in detail the reason for the substitution and the person attending in your place.
All substitution requests must be submitted by Friday, November 10, 2023, 11:59 p.m. (United States Eastern Time).
Eligibility
The Leadership Meeting is by invitation only to current committee members, chairs, vice chairs, and subcommittee members; current Board of Directors and counsel; past presidents and counsel; current project teams; and staff from government IP offices.
Marriott Marquis Houston
1777 Walker Street
Houston, Texas 77010
United States
INTA has negotiated a discounted rate at the Marriott Marquis Houston.
You must register for the 2023 Leadership Meeting before you can reserve your hotel room within INTA’s block of discounted rooms. If you cancel your registration, then your hotel reservation will also be cancelled.
Limited to one room per registrant.
Hotel Rates & Reservation Policies
Rates exclusively available to Leadership meeting registrants.
Hotel Rates
INTA has secured a block of hotel rooms at the Marriott Marquis Houston at a special rate for registrants. Reservations are accepted only on a first-come, first-served basis until the room block is filled or no later than Monday, October 23, 2023, whichever is sooner.
Hotel Reservation Policies
You must be registered, and all payments must be received before you are eligible to reserve your hotel room within the INTA block. Following payment, you will be directed to the Hotel Reservation page to reserve your room online. Please note that the Meeting rate is limited to one room per registrant and that the INTA rate is based on availability.
If you wish to change or cancel your reservation, it must be done online. If you would like to cancel your hotel reservation, refer to the instructions provided on your Reservation Confirmation email from the Marriott Marquis Houston. Please note:
- If you cancel three days or less prior to arrival, you will be charged the price of one night’s stay plus tax.
- If you fail to arrive at the scheduled time for your reserved stay without canceling, you will be charged the price of the full stay.
- If you depart the hotel earlier than expected, you will be charged the price of one night’s stay plus tax.
- A deposit of US $100 per night for incidentals will be required when you check in. The deposit will be refunded if you do not have any incidentals when you check out.
If you have special accommodation needed, please contact us.
Travel Discounts
United Airlines is pleased to offer a travel discount for our delegates attending the 2023 Leadership Meeting.
Service | Flights operated by United Airlines and partner airlines |
Origin | The offer extends to delegates traveling from within and outside the United States |
Destination | IAH |
Discount Off | 2%-10% off published fares (can only be applied on applicable market fares) |
Fare Types | Business, Premium Economy, and Economy on Standard (excluding Basic Economy and limited to specific First Letter of Fare Basis) |
Promotional Code | ZNNE881526 |
Outbound Travel Period | November 9 – November 22, 2023 |
How to book your discounted flight
- Go to the United Airlines website
- Add the Offer Code: ZNNE881526) and click “Search”
- Put in your flight information and click “Find flights”
- Choose your preferred flights (discounted flights are indicated by a “special offer” tag)
- Follow all necessary steps to book your (discounted) flights
For questions regarding airline ticketing, please visit Help Center | United Airlines.
Committee Meetings
Come together to celebrate the incredible strides that our committees from the Advocacy, Communications, and Resources Groups and various Think Tanks, Task Force, and Project Teams have achieved this year!
All committee meetings at the 2023 Leadership Meeting will be conducted in person, and registration is required to attend. Please note room assignments will be added by the end of October.
Breakfast will be served at committee meetings between 8:00 am-10:00 am.
Lunch will be served at committee meetings between 12:00 pm-2:00 pm.
Schedule updated October 20, 2023.
Our educational programming explores key topics and emerging issues—from IP in the new digital ecosystem to fostering an inclusive workplace. You’ll also sharpen your leadership skills through curated Leadership Bootcamps, Leadership Labs, and more. Of course, don’t miss our wide array of Business Development activities!
The Opening Ceremonies, Welcome Reception, Capsule Keynote sessions, and General Sessions are open to all registrants. These sessions offer valuable insights, knowledge, and networking opportunities to enhance your experience.
Idea Exchanges, Workshops, and some Business Development activities require pre-registration (please see below for additional information and instructions). These exclusive activities have limited capacity and may involve additional fees. Please book your spot early when registering for the Meeting.
How to register for add-on events
When registering for the 2023 Leadership Meeting, follow the prompts to select the events you wish to add to your registration.
If you have already registered for the meeting and would like to register, then please follow the instructions below:
- Visit your INTA profile, and list of registered events, here.
- For your 2023 Leadership Meeting registration, click “Details.”
- Under order details, click the blue +Add Session button and continue through the registration wizard to add desired session(s).
- Need more help? Contact us!
These sessions may be eligible for CLE credits, pending state approval. Learn more about CLE eligibility.
All times are listed in United States Central Time.
Registration & Information Desk Hours
Texas Foyer
Tuesday, November 14 |
Wednesday, November 15 |
Thursday, November 16 |
Friday, November 17 |
8:00 am–8:00 pm | 8:00 am–6:30 pm | 8:00 am–6:30 pm | 8:00 am–3:30 pm |
Tuesday, November 14
Annual Meeting of Members
Texas Ballroom, Salon H
Open Innovation Challenge
Scot Cotton
This event is by invitation only.
Judges:
- Mathilde Beauplat-Saada, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Manager; Excelerate Energy (USA)
- Trevor Best, CEO and Co-Founder; Syzygy Plasmonics (USA)
- Grace Chan, Venture Principal, New Markets; BP Ventures (USA)
- Brian Daniel, Vice President, Charles River Associates, Inc. (USA)
- Rebecca Quah, Managing Director, Asia Client Development, CBRE, Inc. (USA)
- Catherine Rifai, Associate, Munck Wilson Mandala LLP (USA)
Board of Directors Meeting
Texas Ballroom, Salons F, G
This event is by invitation only.
Workshop—Building Your Brand: Finding, Establishing, and Growing Your Network
Texas Ballroom, Salons B, C
Presented by the Professional Development Committee
Join us and learn how to create your own authentic brand and proactively build your network as part of your daily routine.
Hybrid working and reduced budgets make it harder to find the time and opportunity to focus on our own paths, making professional development a challenge. This Building Your Brand workshop will give attendees a fresh perspective from a professional coach who understands the demands of working in the legal field. This highly practical workshop, suitable for all experience levels, applies to in-house counsel, law firm members, and government lawyers.
Attendees will walk away with immediately actionable strategies to help them showcase their true selves and attract a network of people they can rely on over the years to help navigate their professional careers.
Moderator:
Rudy Gaines, Owner, Creative Business Growth (USA)
Pre-registration and an additional fee is required. To register for this event, please click here.
Are you an existing 2023 Leadership Meeting registrant? To add this session:
- Visit your INTA profile, and list of registered events, here.
- For your 2023 Leadership Meeting registration, click “Details.”
- Under order details, click the blue +Add Session button and continue through the registration wizard to add desired session(s).
- Need more help? Contact us!
Welcome and Awards Ceremony
Texas Ballroom, Salons A–C
Welcome and Awards Reception
Altitude Rooftop & Pool
Join us in celebrating the INTA award winners and take the opportunity to network with colleagues over a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres before heading out to explore the vibrant city of Houston.
Wednesday, November 15
Continental Breakfast
Houston Ballroom, Salons IV-VII
Open to all registrants not participating in breakfast committee meetings.
Leadership Lab: Training Sessions for 2024–2025 Committee Leadership
River Oaks A
Presented by the Leadership Development Committee
Join this interactive session to candidly talk with fellow committee leaders about how to successfully kick-off your new committee term. Hear tips and share best practices on leadership expectations, resources for committee and objectives management, and how to sustain the engagement of your committee members throughout the committee term.
Open to 2024–2025 Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs.
Finance for Non-Finance Legal Professionals Program—Part 1
Texas Ballroom, Salons B, C
Join us for live instruction on the newly launched INTA’s Finance for Non-Finance Certificate Program. Students will be guided through the first three chapters of the program at no additional cost.
In Part 1 of the Program, covering the first chapter of the program, students will learn the basics of Excel.
Part 2, which will take place on Thursday, November 16, covering Chapters 2 and 3, will help you put your newly acquired skills to understanding and analyzing financial statements. You are welcome to attend one or both.
Completing the first two chapters of INTA’s Finance for Non-Finance Certificate Program will give you a good foundation to actively participate but is, not required.
Capacity is limited to 75 registrants. Pre-registration is required.
Capsule Keynote—Janis Burke
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
Presented by the Leadership Development Committee
Join us for a captivating capsule keynote with Janis Burke, the first woman to become CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) since its inception in 1997. Under her visionary leadership, the HCHSA has secured bids for prestigious sporting events to be held in Houston, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Olympic trials, college football championships, NCAA Men’s Final Four, AAU Junior Olympics and various national and world championships. Janis has an important role in building Houston’s reputation as an international sports city, and to further this goal, she was part of the international, history-making bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first to be hosted by three nations (United States, Mexico, and Canada.)
Don’t miss out on this session as Janis shares inspiring leadership stories about how sports can unite the world, being a woman leader in this male-dominated field, and more.
Speaker:
- Janis Burke, CEO, Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (USA)
General Session—Intellectual Property in New Digital Ecosystems
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
Join us to review what is going on at Trademark Offices and the political levels in the new digital ecosystems, like NFTs and blockchain, and learn how INTA members can contribute to advancing trademark law in these areas. We will explore these policy issues with testimonials from the entertainment and consumer goods industry.
Moderator:
- Catherine Mateu, Partner, Amengaud Guerlain (France)
Speaker:
- Amy Cotton, Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) (USA)
- Julia Holden, Partner, Trevisan & Cuonzo (Italy)
- Laszlo Adam Vass, Legal and Policy Affairs Officer, European Commission (Belgium)
Leadership Lab—Wrap-Up for 2022—2023 Committee Leadership
River Oaks A
Presented by the Leadership Development Committee
Join this interactive session for candid conversations with fellow committee leaders on how to best manage, support, and guide the wrap-up of your committee term. Share best practices on how to ensure a smooth transition, including reporting accomplishments, acknowledging volunteer contributions, and sharing your recommendations for next steps for your committee.
Open to 2022—2023 Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Subcommittee Chairs.
General Session—IP Enforcement and New Technologies: An Opportunity or a Complexity?
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
This session will tackle new technological developments in blockchain, NFTs, metaverse, and AI. We will address the opportunities these technologies present in making IP enforcement easier and counterfeiting harder and the complexities these new technologies create in terms of new types of infringements and ambiguity of rightful ownership.
Moderators:
- Bassel El Turk, Managing Partner of Middle East & Africa, Rouse (UAE)
- Jeremy Newman, Principal and Chief Commercial Officer, Rouse (United Kingdom)
Speakers:
- Gerald “Jerry” Ferguson, Partner, Baker & Hostetler LLP (USA)
- Benedict Hamilton, Managing Director of Forensic Investigations and Intelligence, Kroll LLC (USA)
- Shwetasree Majumder, Managing Partner, Fidus Law Chambers (India)
- Heather Stutz, Director, Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property, Starbucks (USA)
Lunch
Houston Ballroom, Salons IV-VII
Open to all registrants not participating in lunch committee meetings.
Idea Exchange—A Peek Behind the Curtain
Texas Ballroom, Salons B, C
Organized by the Management Subcommittee of the Law Firm Committee
Regardless of their size or location, two topics always affect law firms—and their partners: compensation and retention.
How do law firms compensate their partners? Is one system better than others? For example, is your firm an open book, where each equity partner knows what everyone makes, or is it closed, so that only you know your compensation? Is your firm lockstep? Pure Formula? Subjective? Objective? The list goes on. We will discuss (without revealing actual numbers) the various ways partners are paid and the pros and cons of each. There is no right answer here, but rather the question is what is best for your firm and its partners.
How does your firm retain attorneys beyond financial compensation? What makes your office special enough that attorneys won’t want to leave to go elsewhere? We will discuss law firm cultures and other topics that go beyond compensation to help attract and keep talent.
The idea is to freely share with your INTA colleagues and learn from each other, so you can return to your own firms with new ideas and concepts to discuss and test.
Leadership Bootcamp—Houston, We Have a Problem
River Oaks A
From the Leadership Development Committee
What should a leader do when they are faced with an unforeseen problem? Join this interactive session led by crisis management expert, Sydney Isaacs (Managing Director, H/Advisors Abernathy), to learn how to think critically and make difficult decisions that are crucial as a leader, while weighing legal, reputational, and financial implications of certain actions and communications.
By invitation only.
General Session—Navigating the Nexus: Exploring the Interplay Between Trade Secrets and Artificial Intelligence
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
In the dynamic landscape of technological innovation, the convergence of trade secrets and artificial intelligence (AI) has given rise to complex legal, ethical, and strategic challenges. Through insightful discussion and real-world examples, our session’s panelists will delve into topics including the challenges of maintaining trade secret confidentiality in an AI-driven world, the legal implications of AI-generated trade secrets, and the delicate balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding proprietary information.
Moderator:
- Scott Mayhew, Chief Patent Counsel, Zoetis (USA)
Speakers:
- Audrey Avenier, Global IP & Brand Protection Manager, WD-40 (USA)
- Maria Baratta, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend (USA)
- Elisabeth Kasznar Fekete, Senior Partner, Attorney at Law, Kasznar Leonardos (Brazil)
- Maysa Razavi, Director of Global Brand Protection and Supply Chain Security, Moderna (USA)
Idea Exchange—Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) Update and Informal Discussion with Director General Mesmin Pierre
River Oaks A
Director General of the Canadian Trademarks Office, Mr. Mesmin Pierre will provide an update about CIPO including plans for addressing the backlog as well as the future of the trademark system in Canada.
Moderator:
- Mesmin Pierre, Director General, Canadian Trademarks Office (Canada)
General Session—Name, Image, and Likeness Rights: A Mock License Negotiation
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
The panel will present a mock licensing negotiation of the the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Rights of a college student athlete and a licensee gaming company that wants to use the athlete’s NIL in a game it is developing that is intended to be the next global sensation. Each party will be represented by their brand licensing counsel in various territories, who will discuss the implications of key contract clauses with their clients.
Moderator:
- Barbara Berdou, Founder, Berdou Attorneys (South Africa)
Speakers:
- Christina Gensler, Senior Corporate Counsel, Caterpillar Inc. (USA)
- Barry Werbin, Counsel, Herrick (USA)
- Malaika Underwood, Assistant Coach, United States Women’s National Baseball Team (USA)
Current and Former Board Member Reception
Scot Cotton
This event is by invitation only.
INTA Political Action Committee (PAC) Reception
Texas Ballroom, Salon G
Open only to non-corporate registrants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Join us and show your support for the International Trademark Association Political Action Committee (PAC)!
A contribution for this event will be used to support the campaigns of U.S. federal candidates identified by the INTA PAC Board as having shared interests with the trademark community. INTA accepts both personal checks and those drafted from non-corporate INTA member firm accounts, as well as all major credit cards. Donations can also be made online before the reception. Only non-corporate, non-reimbursed contributions to INTA PAC will be accepted. Contributions to INTA PAC are not deductible for income tax purposes.
Thursday, November 16
Continental Breakfast
Houston Ballroom, Salons IV-VII
Open to all registrants not participating in breakfast committee meetings.
Finance for Non-Finance Legal Professionals Program—Part 2
Texas Ballroom, Salons B, C
Join us for live instruction for the newly launched INTA’s Finance for Non-Finance Certificate Program. Students will be guided on the first three chapters of the program at no additional cost.
In Part 2 of the Program, students can apply the Excel skills they acquired in Part 1 to learn how to analyze financial statements. For those who are experts in MS Excel, you are not required to attend Part 1 of the Program. However, if you would like a refresher, you are welcome to do so. As such, you can attend one or both days (see the listing above for Part 1 on November 15).
Completing the first two chapters of INTA’s Finance for Non-Finance Certificate Program will give you a good foundation to actively participate, but is not required.
Capacity is limited to 75 registrants. Pre-registration is required.
Capsule Keynote—Jarvis Sam
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
Join us for an inspiring Capsule Keynote by Jarvis Sam, President and CEO of The Rainbow Disruption, a multi-services diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm, about his journey in implementing successful DEI initiatives in various organizations. A fireside chat with our 2023 Leadership Meeting Co-Chairs Deborah Flores Garza and Melissa LaBauve and Jarvis Sam on fostering and optimizing a more inclusive and equitable workplace will immediately follow. Discover the transformative strategies and best practices that have propelled many organizations toward greater diversity and equity, leading to enhanced innovation, employee satisfaction, and business success. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the triumphs of others and gain valuable knowledge to drive positive change within your own organization.
Speaker:
- Jarvis Sam, President and CEO, The Rainbow Disruption (USA)
Interviewers:
- Deborah Flores Garza, IP Global Director, TelevisaUnivision (Mexico)
- Melissa LaBauve, Partner; Munck, Wilson, Mandala, LLP (USA)
General Session—The Barbie Brand and DEI
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
Barbie is one of the most iconic toy brands of our time, and the 2023 film Barbie brought this brand to the screen in one of the most significant cultural moments of the year. Not only does the film bring the brand to life, but it highlights many of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues facing our current society. Through the following, this panel will explore the Barbie brand—and blockbuster—through the DEI lens:
- History of the Barbie brand and its evolution from the late 1950s to the present, including the brand’s ongoing commitment to DEI;
- Discussion of how the Barbie brand has stayed relevant through several generations, particularly in an increasingly digital age;
- Mattel’s considerations for developing and marketing the 2023 Barbie film, particularly for ensuring a universal, global, fully inclusive, all-ages appeal;
- The role of the brand legal practitioner in supporting these initiatives; and
- What’s next for the Barbie brand in 2024 and beyond, including future DEI initiatives.
Moderator:
- Brian J. Winterfeldt, Founder, Winterfeldt IP Group, PLLC (USA)
Speakers:
- Kim Culmone, SVP, Head of Doll Design; Mattel, Inc. (USA)
- Michael Moore, Head of Intellectual Property—Content & Brands, Mattel, Inc. (USA)
Leadership Lab—Wrap Up for 2022–2023 Committee Leadership
Montrose A
Presented by the Leadership Development Committee
Join this interactive session to have candid conversations with fellow committee leaders on how to best manage, support, and guide the conclusion of your committee term. Share best practices on how to ensure a smooth transition, including reporting accomplishments, acknowledging volunteer contributions, and sharing your recommendations for next steps for your committee.
Open to 2022–2023 committee chairs, vice chairs, and subcommittee chairs.
General Session—The Front Lines of Sustainability
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
Hear from a diverse panel discussing a variety of initiatives and innovations currently happening on the ground in Houston and around the globe. From smaller start-ups to Fortune 20 companies, you will get a broad perspective on the areas where companies are leading the charge to help make the world a more sustainable place to live and provide consumers with alternative fuel choices. We promise you’ll have a different view after hearing from industry-leading experts in the fields of EV charging, plastics and sustainable liquid fuels. You’ll also learn about the challenges and benefits experienced by these leaders when address branding and promotion of these products and services to consumers
Moderator:
- Craig Stone, Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property & Data Protection, Phillips 66 (USA)
Speakers:
- Ron Abbott, Vice President of Chemical Recycling, New Energy Division, Vopak (Netherlands)
- Stacy Carraway, Senior Business Development Executive, Freewire Technologies (USA)
- Tatiana Chavanelle, Program and Strategy Manager, Emerging Energy, Phillips 66 (USA)
Idea Exchange—Mission-driven IP Professionals: The Role of the IP Professional in Corporate CSR Strategy
River Oaks A
Presented by the Brands for a Better Society Committee
The Brands for a Better Society Committee will present its white paper on corporate CSR strategy and the role of the IP professional in developing and implementing this strategy, and is looking to discuss its work product and share experiences and best practices with members from both the corporate and the private practice perspectives.
For Corporates Only
Leadership Lab—Training Sessions for 2024–2025 Committee Leadership
Montrose A
Presented by the Leadership Development Committee
Join this interactive session to candidly talk with fellow committee leaders about how to successfully kick-off your new committee term. Hear tips and share best practices on leadership expectations, resources for committee and objectives management, and how to sustain the engagement of your committee members throughout the committee term.
Open to 2024–2025 committee chairs and vice chairs.
Lunch
Houston Ballroom, Salons IV-VII
Open to all registrants not participating in lunch committee meetings.
Workshop—How to Build and Future-Proof Your Team Through Times of Change
Texas Ballroom, Salons B, C
Presented by The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative
Everything from social and geopolitical changes to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the challenges posed by the pandemic are shaping how we hire, structure teams, and retain talent. The transformative effects of these disruptors have ushered in a wave of challenges and opportunities in various professions, including the IP legal profession. Amidst these changes, however, concerns have surfaced about the unequal impact on different segments of the work ecosystem, particularly women in professional roles.
Projections indicate that broadening economic disruptors at times of impact will extend to approximately two-thirds of all jobs, leaving a potential mark on almost 300 million employment positions across the globe. A noteworthy aspect of this impact is its potential to affect women disproportionately, especially those in white-collar jobs. Statistics reveal that around 80 percent of women in the workforce are active in roles that are susceptible to disruption by AI, in contrast to 60 percent of their male counterparts. So, how do we future-proof our teams, and what laws should be passed to prevent these losses?
This discrepancy raises essential questions about its underlying reasons. Exploring the factors contributing to this phenomenon and delving into the ethical dimensions surrounding the development and deployment of functional algorithms becomes necessary. Has the entrepreneurial space taken on a new shape to investing in women? What leadership roles are encountered in this self-empowering phenomenon? What can leaders do to hire and retain talent, particularly women?
Hear from industry experts on what steps you can take to future-proof your team!
The first part of this workshop will be a panel discussion. The second part will be a focus group related to a gender study that INTA is conducting. The focus groups will allow for frank but confidential conversations around some of the most pressing gender issues shaping the experience of trademark practitioners in the workplace.
Moderator:
- Ty Lord, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (USA)
Speakers:
- Grace Chan, Venture Principal, New Markets; BP Ventures (USA)
- Amanda Garcia-Williams, Chief Diversity Officer, Husch Blackwell LLP (USA)
This program has limited capacity. Pre-registration and an additional registration fee are required. To register for this event, please click here.
Are you an existing 2023 Leadership Meeting registrant? To add this session:
- Visit your INTA profile, and list of registered events, here.
- For your 2023 Leadership Meeting registration, click “Details.”
- Under order details, click the blue +Add Session button and continue through the registration wizard to add desired session(s).
- Need more help? Contact us!
General Session—Can You Always Get What You Want? Challenges in the Latin America and Caribbean Region
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
Join us for an informative panel discussion on legal updates in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on:
- The declaration of fame and notoriety;
- Different forms of protection for non-traditional trademarks;
- Watch-outs when considering service marks in the Caribbean jurisdictions.
This session will bring together legal experts and industry professionals to discuss the latest developments and challenges in these areas. Gain valuable insights on these topics, their impact on trademark protection, and the legal framework surrounding them in a region with more than 30 jurisdictions and 370 local languages.
Moderator:
- Margarita Romero Rosales, Partner, Perez Bustamante & Ponce (Ecuador)
Speakers:
- Paula Bezerra de Menezes, Partner, Soerensen Garcia (Brazil)
- Katherine Hely, Founding Member, Caribbean IP (USA)
- Matías Noetinger, Partner, Noetinger & Armando Abogados (Argentina)
Leadership Bootcamp—Houston, We Have a Problem
Montrose A
Presented by the Leadership Development Committee
What should a leader do when they are faced with an unforeseen problem? Join this interactive session led by crisis management expert, Sydney Isaacs (Managing Director, H/Advisors Abernathy), to learn how to think critically and make difficult decisions that are crucial as a leader, while weighing legal, reputational, and financial implications of certain actions and communications.
By invitation only.
General Session—Don’t Tell Me What to Do! How Brands Can Navigate the Choppy Waters of Brand Restrictions Around the World
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
Get an update on brand restrictions worldwide with a deep dive into some industries, including the cannabis industry. While still a patchwork of legislation around the globe, brand restrictions continue to permeate the legislative landscape of many countries and are now expanding into the cannabis industry. Join us in learning which industries are being affected, what INTA is doing to combat the proliferation of such restrictions and best practices for brand owners to keep brand restrictions at bay.
Moderator:
- Caroline Chicoine, Of Counsel, Husch Blackwell LLP (USA)
Speakers:
- Sasha Mandakovic Falconi, Partner, Falconi Puig Abogados (Ecuador)
- David Lossignol, Global Head of Legal Brand Protection, Novartis International AG (Switzerland)
- Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel, Partner, Gowling WLG (Canada)
INTA Foundation Barbie-Themed Fundraiser
Scot Cotton
This event is SOLD OUT.
Friday, November 17
Continental Breakfast
Houston Ballroom, Salons IV-VII
Open to all registrants not participating in breakfast committee meetings.
INTA PAC Capitol Club Breakfast
Scot Cotton
Sponsored by Pirkey Barber PLLC
This event is by invitation only.
Capsule Keynote—Intellectual Property, Sustainability, and Global Challenges
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
This Capsule Keynote by Edward Kwakwa, Assistant Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), will preview the 2024 World Intellectual Property Day theme, which is: “IP and SDGs: Building our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity”. The session will, in addition, provide a quick recap of other pressing challenges faced in today’s IP system, and describe some of WIPO’s activities in leading the international community’s attempts to help resolve such global challenges: the challenge of IP and climate change; the challenge of IP and global health; and the challenge of IP and the protection of traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and access to genetic resources. A fireside chat with INTA Board of Directors Member Lorna Mbatia (CFL Advocates, Kenya), INTA Chief Policy Officer Heather Steinmeyer, and Edward Kwakwa will immediately follow.
Interviewer:
- Lorna Mbatia, Partner, CFL Advocates (Kenya)
Speakers:
- Edward Kwakwa, Assistant Director General, World Intellectual Property Organization (Switzerland)
- Heather Steinmeyer, Chief Policy Officer, International Trademark Association (USA)
General Session—Is Data an IP Right? Best Practices and Risk Mitigation to Protect this Valuable Asset
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
Join us for this panel discussion as we explore whether data is an IP asset in the expanding data economy—focusing on the issues of the ownership vs. control of data, touching upon various policy and legal frameworks, and suggesting best practices and risk mitigation for data collection and use when drafting contracts, licensing agreements, settlement agreements, and website terms and conditions.
Moderator:
- Monique Couture, Partner, Gowling WLG (Canada)
Speaker:
- Stephanie O. Sparks, Chair, Privacy & Data Security and Intellectual Property, Hoge Fenton (USA)
- Ann Staggs, Senior Counsel, Privacy, Airbnb (USA)
General Session—Using Data to Support In-House Objectives
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
In-house trademark teams have the ability to collect copious data from their daily activities that they potentially can leverage to advance department goals. But the link between what data to use and how to most effectively use it is not always clear. This session will explore common and creative types of data available to trademark teams, methods for collecting data, and opportunities to use data, such as reporting, supporting headcount and growth, managing department budgets, and allocating resources.
Moderator:
- Matthew Kuykendall, Director, Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (USA)
Speakers:
- Paul W. Mussell, SVP & Senior Lead Counsel of Intellectual Property, Wells Fargo (USA)
- Diane Lau, Lead Paralegal, Brands and & Marketing Legal, Brands & Marketing Legal, Meta (USA)
- Melody L. Schottle, Attorney, Law Office of Melody L. Schottle, PLLC (USA)
- Katie Sullivan, Senior Counsel, Whirlpool Corporation (USA)
Family Event—Playtime Party
Scot Cotton
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of family fun at our Playtime Party!
The afternoon will be filled with games, food, laughter, and cherished memories. Our Playtime Party is designed to bring families together in a blissful atmosphere, with activities and entertainment for all ages.
Mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for an afternoon of laughter, play, and connection. Let’s create unforgettable memories that will be cherished by both parents and children alike.
RSVP today to secure your spot in this unforgettable family extravaganza. We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the Playtime Party!
To register for this event, please click here.
Lunch
Houston Ballroom, Salons IV-VII
Open to all registrants not participating in lunch committee meetings.
General Session—Industrial Design Protection: A Comparative Look at the Standards for Eligibility
Texas Ballroom, Salons D, E
As with formal requirements such as written descriptions and drawings, the criteria for eligibility for the protection of an industrial design are equally un-harmonized. This session will compare the eligibility standards for the protection of an industrial design in various key jurisdictions around the globe (the USA, EU, Japan, Brazil, and India).
Moderator:
- Tracy-Gene G. Durkin, Director, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox PLLC (USA)
Speakers:
- Ashwani Balayan, Partner, ALG India Law Offices LLP (India)
- José Carlos e Dias, Senior Partner, Vaz e Dias Advogados & Associados (Brazil)
- Katja Middelhoff, Counsel, CMS (Germany)
- Richard Stockton, Partner, Banner & Witcoff (USA)
Closing Cocktails
Houston Ballroom, Salons IV-VII and Houston Foyer
Join us to celebrate a successful meeting! Take advantage of one last chance to network and spend time with colleagues while having a cocktail and enjoying hors d’oeuvres before heading off to experience the Houston nightlife.
Capsule Keynote Speakers
Wednesday, November 15 | 9:30 am–10:00 am
Janis Burke
CEO
Harris County-Houston Sports Authority
USA
Thursday, November 16 | 9:30 am–10:00 am
Jarvis Sam
President and CEO
The Rainbow Disruption
USA
Friday, November 17 | 9:30 am–10:00 am
Edward Kwakwa
Assistant Director General
World Intellectual Property Organization
Switzerland
PAC Reception Speaker
Wednesday, November 15 | 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Russell Fry
United States Representative, South Carolina
USA
Russell Fry is a courageous, consistent conservative who gets things done. He proudly serves South Carolina’s Seventh as their voice in Washington.
Mr. Fry is in the ring, fighting tooth and nail for an America First agenda to secure our southern border, grow and strengthen our economy, protect our constitutional rights, and ensure our federal government works for the American people.
Mr. Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee, where he is investigating the Biden administration’s failures and fighting back against its extreme executive overreach.
Mr. Fry learned from an early age that with elbow grease and a good education, the American Dream is within reach. Growing up, he saw first-hand how government actions directly affect families living paycheck to paycheck, and he is committed to fighting for those who don’t always have a voice.
Before being elected to protect his fellow citizens’ freedom, families, and faith, Mr. Fry practiced law along the Grand Strand and represented District 106, Horry County, in the South Carolina State House.
He is a loving husband, dedicated father, and conservative leader who works hard each and every day to represent the people of the Grand Strand and Pee Dee in Washington.
Business Development (BD) events are networking opportunities to engage and network with other registrants.
We’re especially excited for this year’s session lineup, which include the popular Dine Around Series, local volunteering, pickleball, a haunted pub tour—and much more.
Please note that all BD sessions are paid events. Due to limited capacity, preregistration is required and all activities are non-refundable.
BD Programming
See All Sessions
Explore Houston
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Music isn’t the only art form you’re guaranteed to find around Houston. Explore the city streets with a guided tour and cross paths with some of Houston’s finest art and murals! Cost: $84. Limited capacity.
Wine Tasting at the Marriott Marquis
6:00 pm–8:00 pm
See, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor at Cueva in the Marriott Marquis hotel. Let this wine tasting and bites be the perfect prelude to a productive and enjoyable Leadership Meeting. Cost: $147. Limited capacity.
Houston Food Bank
8:00 am–9:00 am
Join us as we come together to donate and pack boxes in support of the Houston Food Bank. With an 18-county service area, the Houston Food Bank’s mission, “Food for a Better Life,” goes beyond providing nourishment to those facing food insecurity. Let’s give back for a meaningful cause. Cost: $25. Limited capacity.
Neon Boots
8:30 pm–10:30 pm
Learn some new country and western dance moves while enjoying a night of karaoke at the historic Neon Boots. Cost: $120. Limited capacity.
Zumba Fitness
6:30 am–7:30 am
Add a little party to your fitness routine! Start your morning off right in this Zumba® class! No experience is necessary to enjoy this heart-rate-elevating, fun-filled 50-minute session. Cost: $25. Limited capacity.
Yellow Rose Distilling
6:00 pm–8:00 pm
Elevate your senses with a whiskey distillery tour at Yellow Rose Distilling. Cost: $131. Limited capacity.
Bumpy Pickle
6:00 pm–8:00 pm
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. Join in on the fun and experience it for yourself at Bumpy Pickle, Houston’s largest recreational outdoor pickleball court facility. Cost: $122. Limited capacity.
The Dine Around Series at the Marriott Marquis
6:30 pm–9:00 pm
Join us for Dine Around the Marriott Marquis Hotel, starting at Biggio’s for appetizers and drinks, moving on to Walkers St. Kitchen for your main course, and ending at Cueva for drinks and dessert. You’ll experience a culinary journey filled with diverse flavors and a memorable dining experience. Cost: $242. Limited capacity.
Guided Walk/Run
6:30 am–7:30 am
Join Duane for a guided walk/run session that will get your heart pumping. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, Duane’s expertise will help you set the perfect pace. Cost: $11. Limited capacity.
Art Car Museum
3:30 pm–4:30 pm
The Art Car Museum is a private institution dedicated to contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum for local, national, and international artists with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts and artists that are rarely, if ever, acknowledged by other cultural institutions. The museum’s goal is to encourage the public’s awareness of the cultural, political, economic, and personal dimensions of art. Cost: $44. Limited capacity.
Soccer/Futbol Match (Player or Spectator)
3:00pm–5:00pm
Join us for another fun yet competitive Fútbol / Soccer Match game in Houston! Both players and spectators are welcome to attend.
Players only need to bring their game, and we’ll take care of the rest: round-trip transfer to the park, gear, and equipment are included. Cost: $50 for players, free for spectators. Location: Marron (Tony) Park, Soccer Field #1.
Mixology Class at the Marriott Marquis
5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Experience our dynamic and innovative approach to handcrafted cocktails at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Our expert mixologists blend the finest spirits with the freshest ingredients, creating a tantalizing array of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Join us for our mixology class, where you can embark on a journey of discovery and explore new tastes before venturing out. Cost: $147. Limited capacity.
Guided Walk/Run
6:30 am–7:30 am
Join Duane for a guided walk/run session that will get your heart pumping. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, Duane’s expertise will help you set the perfect pace. Cost: $11. Limited capacity.
Family Event—Playtime Party
12:00 pm–2:00pm
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of family fun at our Playtime Party!
The afternoon will be filled with games, food, laughter, and cherished memories. Our Playtime Party is designed to bring families together in a blissful atmosphere, with activities and entertainment for all ages.
To register for this event, please click here.
BATL Axe Throwing
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Join us at BATL Grounds Ax Throwing! Unleash your inner lumberjack and experience the thrill of throwing axes. Cost: $136. Limited capacity.
Haunted Pub Tour
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Join us for ghostly storytelling and spirited pub crawling in the historic downtown Houston area. Prepare yourself to be laughing and talking for days about the amazing time you had hearing all about the ghostly history of the area while enjoying some of its spirits. Cost: $44. Limited capacity.
Open Innovation Challenge
If you are a newfound start-up or a business looking to scale up, then we welcome you to join us for the second Open Innovation Challenge at the 2023 Leadership Meeting—bringing together the best and brightest in brands and intellectual property.
Learn more about the requirements and benefits of this unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses!
The 2023 Leadership Meeting offers a myriad of ways to connect, including through privately hosted events—meetings, receptions, hosted client breakfasts, lunches, dinners, hosted client social excursions, and more.
This year, we’re introducing a Plan Your Own Event (PYOE) submission form to the Leadership Meeting to help us understand the level of local economic impact for our second largest meeting of the year.
Please note that any non-INTA-hosted event held in conjunction with the Leadership Meeting should be reported to INTA before you contract with your venue to prevent potential conflicts. We also request that you carefully review and adhere to our event requirements listed below.
PLAN YOUR OWN EVENT (PYOE) REQUIREMENTS
Because we want to facilitate the best Leadership Meeting experience for our registrants, any non-INTA-hosted event held in conjunction with the Leadership Meeting should be reported to INTA before you contract with your venue so that we can confirm that it does not conflict with an INTA event. In addition, we ask that you carefully review and adhere to our event requirements listed below.
Reporting your event also helps us measure our Meeting’s total economic impact on our host city, increasing our negotiating power in future destinations and allowing us to pass savings down to our members whenever possible.
Before contracting with your venue:
- Complete INTA’s Plan Your Own Event (PYOE) request form.
- Make sure to complete a separate form for each event you are planning.
- Ensure that INTA confirms your event and that it does not conflict with an INTA event before you contract with your venue. INTA will review your submission within five business days of receipt.
Once you secure your venue:
- Ensure that your guests are registered for the Leadership Meeting.
- Ensure that your guests are aware of and will comply with the health and safety measures of INTA and your venue.
- When promoting your event, you should not suggest that INTA is an official sponsor of your event. For example:
- Do not use “INTA” or “International Trademark Association” in an email subject line unless the subject line also makes clear the name of the organization sponsoring the event.
- Do not use “INTA” as part of an RSVP or other email address.
- Do not use “INTA” in the name of a party or event (for example, please do not call your event “INTA Reception”).
During your event:
- All attendees from your organization should wear their Leadership Meeting badges during your event.
- All guests of your event should wear their Leadership Meeting badges during your event.
- You should adhere to the venue’s capacity limits and ensure the personal safety of your guests.
- You and your attendees should comply with your venue and INTA’s health and safety measures.
Our commitment to you:
- We’ll contact you within five business days of receiving your completed PYOE request form.
- Once we confirm your event does not conflict with an INTA event, you may begin working directly with your preferred venue. However, please note that the confirmation of a request does not guarantee that you will secure your first-choice venue.
Co-Chair
Deborah Flores Garza
IP Global Director
TelevisaUnivision
Mexico
Co-Chair
Melissa LaBauve
Partner
Munck, Wilson, Mandala, LLP
USA
Barbara Berdou
Founder
Berdou Attorneys
South Africa
Caroline Chicoine
IP and Trademark Attorney
Husch Blackwell LLP
USA
Monique Couture
Partner
Gowling WLG
Canada
Tracy-Gene G. Durkin
Director
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox PLLC
USA
Bassel El Turk
Managing Partner, Middle East & Africa
Rouse
UAE
Matt Kuykendall
Director, Global Trademark
Sony Interactive Entertainment
USA
Catherine Mateu
Partner
Armengaud & Guerlain
France
Scott Mayhew
Chief Patent Counsel
Zoetis Inc.
USA
Jeremy Newman
Principal and Chief Commercial Officer
Rouse
United Kingdom
Margarita Romero Rosales
Partner
Perez Bustamante & Ponce (PBP)
Ecuador
Craig Stone
Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property & Data Protection
Phillips 66
USA
Brian J. Winterfeldt
Founder
Winterfeldt IP Group
USA
About Our Media Partners
Trademark Lawyer Magazine (CTC Legal Media)
CTC Legal Media are globally renowned publishers of The Trademark Lawyer and The Patent Lawyer Magazines, reporting on core IP matters. Each edition is overflowing with special features including guest interviews with in-house counsel, case comment, and the latest developments in the field delivered to a combined readership of 93,000+ professionals.
World Intellectual Property Review
60,000+ IP professionals rely on World IP Review as their leading source of news and analysis on patents, trademarks, and copyright worldwide. No other online resource offers such a wealth of insight and guidance on trending topics within the IP sector. To access our latest articles and learn about upcoming events, visit our website.
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