Agenda
Subject to change. CLE panels are designated by an asterisk after the panel title.
Monday, Sep 15, 2025
8:00 AM ET
Registration & Breakfast
Join us for breakfast, networking and mimosas to start the day!
Join us for breakfast, networking and mimosas to start the day!
,9:00 AM ET
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Welcome to the 2025 Women’s IP Forum, hosted by IPWatchdog.
Renée C. Quinn
Welcome to the 2025 Women’s IP Forum, hosted by IPWatchdog.
,9:15 AM ET
Keynote: USPTO Acting Director Coke Stewart
We are pleased to have Acting USPTO Director Coke Stewart join us for our opening keynote presentation. Acting Director Stewart is the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). By statute, she is currently serving as the Acting Under Secretary and Acting Director. As the acting chief…
Renée C. Quinn
Coke Morgan Stewart
Eileen McDermott
We are pleased to have Acting USPTO Director Coke Stewart join us for our opening keynote presentation. Acting Director Stewart is the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). By statute, she is currently serving as the Acting Under Secretary and Acting Director. As the acting chief…
,10:25 AM ET
Lessons Learned: Career Advice I Wish Someone Had Told Me
Navigating a career in intellectual property law is challenging enough—but for women, the path often comes with additional hurdles, unspoken expectations, and missed opportunities for guidance. In this candid discussion, seasoned women IP professionals will share the pivotal lessons they learned the hard way—what they wish someone had told them earlier, and the advice they now pass along to others.…
Marie MacNichol
Bijou Mgbojikwe
Mary Penn
Renée C. Quinn
Kristi Sawert
Navigating a career in intellectual property law is challenging enough—but for women, the path often comes with additional hurdles, unspoken expectations, and missed opportunities for guidance. In this candid discussion, seasoned women IP professionals will share the pivotal lessons they learned the hard way—what they wish someone had told them earlier, and the advice they now pass along to others.…
,12:05 PM ET
The Economic Engine of Innovation: How IP Fuels the Global Economy *
There are significant financial and social benefits that flow from the ability of content creators and innovators to obtain and maintain strong intellectual property protections. For example, copyright-intensive industries account for nearly one-tenth of all U.S. employment, and they have cemented a valuable trade surplus in the digitally deliverable services sector. Meanwhile, patent protections for the pharmaceutical industry play a…
Pinar Gencer
Stéphanie Leparmentier
Christine McDaniel
Runa Shah-Qaderi
There are significant financial and social benefits that flow from the ability of content creators and innovators to obtain and maintain strong intellectual property protections. For example, copyright-intensive industries account for nearly one-tenth of all U.S. employment, and they have cemented a valuable trade surplus in the digitally deliverable services sector. Meanwhile, patent protections for the pharmaceutical industry play a…
,2:05 PM ET
Fighting the Proliferation of Counterfeits, Fakes and Dupes: Protecting IP Rights on Virtual Marketplaces *
From counterfeit goods to unauthorized resellers and copycat listings, brand owners face growing challenges in protecting their intellectual property. Trademarks are critical to safeguarding the value of brands and ensuring consumer safety in a world with numerous virtual marketplaces that make it easier than ever for goods—including fakes and dupes—to travel across the globe overnight. They may look like the…
Renée C. Quinn
Rochelle Mondesir
Kayleigh Nauman
Sydney Redden
From counterfeit goods to unauthorized resellers and copycat listings, brand owners face growing challenges in protecting their intellectual property. Trademarks are critical to safeguarding the value of brands and ensuring consumer safety in a world with numerous virtual marketplaces that make it easier than ever for goods—including fakes and dupes—to travel across the globe overnight. They may look like the…
,3:45 PM ET
Getting Started in IP Law Today: Tips & Strategies from the Next Generation
Breaking into the field of intellectual property law can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially in a landscape shaped by rapid technological change, evolving legal standards, and increasing competition. In this candid and practical conversation, early-career IP professionals will share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned on launching a successful career in IP today. Panelists will discuss how they found their…
Melissa Adams
Jill Crosby
Sarah Kohn
Casey Kraning
Margaret Turchinski
Breaking into the field of intellectual property law can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially in a landscape shaped by rapid technological change, evolving legal standards, and increasing competition. In this candid and practical conversation, early-career IP professionals will share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned on launching a successful career in IP today. Panelists will discuss how they found their…
,5:20 PM ET
Keynote: Judge Pauline Newman
We are pleased to have a keynote chat with Judge Pauline Newman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Judge Newman is an icon and pioneer. She was appointed to the Federal Circuit by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Judge Newman holds a B.A. from Vassar College, an M.A. from Columbia University, a Ph.D. from Yale University,…
Hon. Pauline Newman
Renée C. Quinn
We are pleased to have a keynote chat with Judge Pauline Newman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Judge Newman is an icon and pioneer. She was appointed to the Federal Circuit by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Judge Newman holds a B.A. from Vassar College, an M.A. from Columbia University, a Ph.D. from Yale University,…
,Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025
8:00 AM ET
9:00 AM ET
IP Law & Policy: What is Happening Inside the Beltway *
Intellectual property policy is seemingly always in the spotlight in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers, federal agencies, and the courts shaping decisions that could significantly impact innovation, competition, and IP protection across industries. This panel will provide an insider’s view of the latest developments inside the Beltway—from proposed legislation and USPTO initiatives to shifting judicial interpretations and regulatory trends. Hear from…
Eileen McDermott
Angela Oliver
Jamie Simpson
Jamie Susskind
Intellectual property policy is seemingly always in the spotlight in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers, federal agencies, and the courts shaping decisions that could significantly impact innovation, competition, and IP protection across industries. This panel will provide an insider’s view of the latest developments inside the Beltway—from proposed legislation and USPTO initiatives to shifting judicial interpretations and regulatory trends. Hear from…
,10:20 AM ET
Designing an AI Future: Building and Enforcing AI Policies and Rules *
This panel will be an off-the-record conversation and will not be recorded. As AI capabilities accelerate, governments, corporations, and law firms are under pressure to establish clear internal policies that define how AI can—and cannot—be used. This panel will examine how organizations are navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI adoption, risk management, responsible use, and government regulation. From drafting…
Jennifer Kuhn
Alison Pepper
Marlene Valderrama
This panel will be an off-the-record conversation and will not be recorded. As AI capabilities accelerate, governments, corporations, and law firms are under pressure to establish clear internal policies that define how AI can—and cannot—be used. This panel will examine how organizations are navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI adoption, risk management, responsible use, and government regulation. From drafting…
,11:40 AM ET
International IP Enforcement Strategies and Tactics *
In today’s global marketplace, enforcing intellectual property rights across borders is more critical than ever. Whether you’re managing a global portfolio or confronting region-specific enforcement challenges, this session will provide actionable insights for protecting your IP assets worldwide. This panel will explore the practical realities of protecting patents, trademarks, and copyrights in multiple jurisdictions, where enforcement mechanisms, legal standards, and…
Kendra Ervin
Pinar Gencer
Liliane Roriz
Catie Shawley
Alaina van Horn
In today’s global marketplace, enforcing intellectual property rights across borders is more critical than ever. Whether you’re managing a global portfolio or confronting region-specific enforcement challenges, this session will provide actionable insights for protecting your IP assets worldwide. This panel will explore the practical realities of protecting patents, trademarks, and copyrights in multiple jurisdictions, where enforcement mechanisms, legal standards, and…
,1:50 PM ET
IP Portfolio Development and Maintenance: Strategies, Tactics, Budgets *
Building and maintaining a strong intellectual property portfolio requires more than filing patents and trademarks—it demands a strategic approach that aligns with business goals, manages risk, and maximizes return on investment. This panel will dive into the practical aspects of IP portfolio development and ongoing maintenance, including how to prioritize filings, balance quality and quantity, manage global coverage, and optimize…
Tracy Bornman
Kimberly Philipp
Brienne Terril
Building and maintaining a strong intellectual property portfolio requires more than filing patents and trademarks—it demands a strategic approach that aligns with business goals, manages risk, and maximizes return on investment. This panel will dive into the practical aspects of IP portfolio development and ongoing maintenance, including how to prioritize filings, balance quality and quantity, manage global coverage, and optimize…
,3:10 PM ET
Patent Damages: Understanding What is Really at Stake *
For more IPWatchdog videos please visit the IPWatchdog YouTube channel. ? Panel Description Patent litigation is high-stakes by nature—but the true value of a case hinges on how damages are calculated, presented, and ultimately awarded. But what will be the future of patent damages—and in particular expert testimony—after the Federal Circuit’s en banc decision in EcoFactor v. Google? Unfortunately, after granting en…
Janine Carlan
Erin Crockett
Nicole Glauser
Elisabeth (Bette) Muirhead
Ngoc Ngo
For more IPWatchdog videos please visit the IPWatchdog YouTube channel. ? Panel Description Patent litigation is high-stakes by nature—but the true value of a case hinges on how damages are calculated, presented, and ultimately awarded. But what will be the future of patent damages—and in particular expert testimony—after the Federal Circuit’s en banc decision in EcoFactor v. Google? Unfortunately, after granting en…
,4:40 PM ET
Where Opportunity Meets Disruption: The Evolving Role of AI in the IP Legal Workflow
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly matures, it is reshaping how intellectual property professionals operate—streamlining processes, unlocking new efficiencies, and raising critical questions about quality, risk, and responsibility. Earlier in the day we discussed AI governance and adopting AI policies and best practices. This panel picks up with the next step—how will and should your people use AI to transform their…
Stephanie Curcio
Cynthia Mitchell
Lissi Mojica
Salumeh Ramsay
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly matures, it is reshaping how intellectual property professionals operate—streamlining processes, unlocking new efficiencies, and raising critical questions about quality, risk, and responsibility. Earlier in the day we discussed AI governance and adopting AI policies and best practices. This panel picks up with the next step—how will and should your people use AI to transform their…
,5:50 PM ET
Keynote: Judge Kathleen O’Malley
We are pleased to have Judge Kathleen O’Malley join us for a fireside chat. Judge O’Malley was a federal judge for more than 27 years. She was appointed by President Barack Obama for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and served as a United States Circuit Judge on that court from 2010 until her retirement from…
Eileen McDermott
Hon. Kathleen O’Malley
We are pleased to have Judge Kathleen O’Malley join us for a fireside chat. Judge O’Malley was a federal judge for more than 27 years. She was appointed by President Barack Obama for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and served as a United States Circuit Judge on that court from 2010 until her retirement from…
,Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025
8:00 AM ET
9:00 AM ET
Designing and Implementing a Comprehensive Brand Protection Strategy *
This panel will be an off-the-record conversation and will not be recorded. In today’s global, digital economy, brands are more vulnerable than ever to counterfeiting, infringement and reputational harm. Building a strong brand is only half the battle—protecting it across jurisdictions, platforms, and marketplaces is the other. This panel will explore how companies can develop and execute a comprehensive brand…
Jayne Durden
Gina Johnson
Emilie Lavirotte
Maja Szumarska
This panel will be an off-the-record conversation and will not be recorded. In today’s global, digital economy, brands are more vulnerable than ever to counterfeiting, infringement and reputational harm. Building a strong brand is only half the battle—protecting it across jurisdictions, platforms, and marketplaces is the other. This panel will explore how companies can develop and execute a comprehensive brand…
,10:25 AM ET
Managing IP Risk In-House: Problems, Priorities & Pressures
In-house legal teams are on the front lines of identifying, assessing, and mitigating IP risk—but doing so effectively requires balancing limited resources, navigating evolving business goals, and coping with various external pressures. This panel will feature experienced in-house counsel discussing the real-world challenges of managing IP risk across the innovation lifecycle—from patent portfolio gaps and trade secret protection to third-party…
Thara Russell
Mansi Parikh
Patricia Stepp
Katie O’Sullivan
In-house legal teams are on the front lines of identifying, assessing, and mitigating IP risk—but doing so effectively requires balancing limited resources, navigating evolving business goals, and coping with various external pressures. This panel will feature experienced in-house counsel discussing the real-world challenges of managing IP risk across the innovation lifecycle—from patent portfolio gaps and trade secret protection to third-party…
,11:50 AM ET
Breaking the Mold: Entrepreneurial Leadership for Women in IP
Women in intellectual property are increasingly charting their own paths—building businesses, leading teams, and redefining what leadership looks like in a traditionally male-dominated field. Whether launching a new venture, leading a team, or pushing boundaries inside established institutions, this session offers practical inspiration and advice for women ready to lead on their own terms. This panel will feature trailblazing women…
Morgan Connell
Stephanie Curcio
Loletta Darden
Karen Kerrigan
Renée C. Quinn
Women in intellectual property are increasingly charting their own paths—building businesses, leading teams, and redefining what leadership looks like in a traditionally male-dominated field. Whether launching a new venture, leading a team, or pushing boundaries inside established institutions, this session offers practical inspiration and advice for women ready to lead on their own terms. This panel will feature trailblazing women…
,1:50 PM ET
IPWatchdog Unleashed LIVE with Gina Johnson
At the conclusion of the Women’s IP Forum, please stick around and join us for a live studio recording of our podcast, IPWatchdog Unleashed. Gene will speak with Gina Johnson, Chief IP Officer for Ridge. The conversation will focus on combating online infringements in various e-commerce marketplaces, brand protection, design patents, Amazon’s dispute resolution process, and more.
Gene Quinn
Gina Johnson
At the conclusion of the Women’s IP Forum, please stick around and join us for a live studio recording of our podcast, IPWatchdog Unleashed. Gene will speak with Gina Johnson, Chief IP Officer for Ridge. The conversation will focus on combating online infringements in various e-commerce marketplaces, brand protection, design patents, Amazon’s dispute resolution process, and more.
,3:00 PM ET
IPWatchdog Unleashed LIVE with Marlene Valderamma
At the conclusion of the Women’s IP Forum, please stick around and join us for a live studio recording of our podcast, IPWatchdog Unleashed. Gene will speak with Marlene Valderamma about how in-house teams can and should identify internal innovation, encourage inventors, work with stakeholders, maximize innovation and protect intangible assets.
Gene Quinn
Marlene Valderrama
At the conclusion of the Women’s IP Forum, please stick around and join us for a live studio recording of our podcast, IPWatchdog Unleashed. Gene will speak with Marlene Valderamma about how in-house teams can and should identify internal innovation, encourage inventors, work with stakeholders, maximize innovation and protect intangible assets.
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