22nd Annual IP Conference

Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging technology — it is here to stay. This session will move beyond theory to explore specific, practical use cases where AI is driving efficiencies and improving outcomes across intellectual property functions. Through real-world implementation experiences and lessons learned, panelists will discuss how organizations are leveraging AI tools in their day-to-day operations, the challenges they have encountered, and the strategies that have delivered meaningful results. Attendees will gain actionable insights they can apply within their own organizations.

Today’s general counsel and chief legal officers are expected to do more than manage legal risk. They help shape business strategy, innovation, governance, and growth. In this candid discussion, seasoned legal leaders will share how they approach IP strategy in the context of broader corporate priorities, balance risk with opportunity, and navigate emerging and evolving challenges. Panelists will also discuss the issues commanding the most attention in the boardroom — and those creating the greatest strategic and operational pressure — as they lead legal functions in an increasingly complex business environment. Attendees will gain practical insights into aligning IP with enterprise strategy, communicating value to executive stakeholders, prioritizing competing demands, and positioning their organizations for long-term success.

Even the strongest IP strategy can fall short without support from the top. As intellectual property becomes an increasingly important driver of innovation, growth, and competitive advantage, legal leaders must be able to communicate its value beyond the legal department. This discussion will highlight how chief IP counsel and top legal leaders can work together to align IP strategy with broader business objectives and drive measurable value across the organization. Through practical, real-world insights, panelists will examine how to build internal consensus, secure stakeholder buy-in, and demonstrate the strategic importance of IP beyond the legal function. Attendees will gain actionable guidance on positioning IP as a business enabler — strengthening collaboration, improving decision-making, and enhancing enterprise-wide impact.

For companies pursuing growth and innovation, deciding whether to develop technology internally or acquire it via licensing, partnerships, M&A, or other alternatives can have a lasting strategic impact. As IP increasingly drives competitive advantage and enterprise value, organizations must balance speed to market, control of key innovations, diligence risks, integration challenges, and long-term freedom to operate. This discussion will explore how IP shapes “build, buy, or borrow” decisions, what companies are prioritizing in today’s technology transactions, and how innovation sourcing strategies are evolving. Attendees will gain practical perspectives on evaluating trade-offs, assessing IP assets and risks, aligning legal and business stakeholders, and making more informed technology investment decisions.

When an IP dispute arises, knowing whether to fight, negotiate, license, or move on can be just as important as the merits of the case itself — and the answer is not always clear-cut. As legal spend mounts, business priorities shift, and competitive pressures evolve, companies must continually reassess their resolution strategy and are often forced to revisit critical decisions that once seemed straightforward. Experienced in-house IP leaders will share lessons learned from navigating complex disputes and balancing legal objectives against commercial, operational, and reputational considerations. Attendees will come away with fresh, real-world perspectives on evaluating risk, securing internal alignment, preserving leverage in negotiations, and adapting strategy as circumstances change.