Fireside Chat: Brand protection: a comprehensive approach

Join top speakers from Tencent, the leading trademark filer in 2023 and owner of WeChat and Weixin platforms, and IP House (formally Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit), in discussing how and why each side prioritizes brand protection. Learn of innovative ways that both have dealt with this issue in the UK and around the world. The audience can ask questions and join the conversation to consider new ideas and solutions with both speakers.

Speakers: Danny Marti, Head of Public Affairs, and Andrew Masterson, Lead for EMEA Partnerships at IP House.

Keynote: Navigating the IP landscape in Russia: protection, enforcement, and risk management for rights holders

This keynote will address the current IP situation in Russia, highlighting concerns from IP rights holders. Key issues include whether IP rights can still be protected, maintained, and enforced, the risks of losing existing rights, and practical steps to safeguard IP amid ongoing challenges

Speaker: Riikka Palmos, Senior Partner at Papula-Nevinpat

Session 5: Navigating the complex landscape of standard essential patents (SEPs)

The session will tackle the nuanced world of SEPs, diving into the complexities and challenges of navigating, licensing, and litigating SEPs along with addressing knowledge gaps between licensees and licensors in today’s dynamic market. The panel will present valuable insights on key considerations, recent developments, and best practices for effectively managing SEPs.

Speakers: Jamie Lewis, Head of SEPs Policy at UKIPO; Roya Ghafele, Visiting Professor, Brunel University; Adrian Howes, Head of IP and Standards, IP Policy & Advocacy at Nokia; James Boon, Partner at Bristows.

Moderator: Andy Sharples, Partner at EIP

Session 6:  To patent or not to patent… a trade secret debate

This session will explore arguments for and against patenting an innovation and evaluate it as a means of protection compared to a trade secret. Highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of each approach, the panellists will shed light on the considerations that businesses must weigh when safeguarding their innovations.

Speakers: MacKenna Roberts, General Counsel, Life Sciences and Regulatory Law, Choice TeleMed; Paul Loustalan, Partner at Reddie & Grose; Peter Nunn, Partner at Mishcon de Reya; Eugene Goryunov, Partner at Haynes & Boone.

Moderator: Tony Proctor, Partner at Potter Clarkson                                                                          

Session 7: Securing your brand online: domain names as an anticounterfeiting device

Considering the prevalence of e-commerce and today’s evolving digital landscape, securing the right domain name that aligns with a brand and its registered trademarks is crucial for a company’s success. This session will cover domains as part of a broader IP strategy including dotBrand domains, monitoring systems for similar and infringing domains, domain blocking, and tools for domain enforcement.

Speakers: Magdalena Hesse, Brand Protection Manager at Next Holdings Ltd; Maria-Christina Peyman, Partner at Birketts; Rosie Burbidge, Partner at gunnercooke; Daniel Greenberg, CEO at lexsynergy.

Moderator: Stuart Fuller, Chief Commercial Officer at ComLaude  

Keynote: Wellbeing in practice: tips and techniques for IP professionals

In this session, we will explore the unique challenges and stressors faced by professionals in the intellectual property law field and discuss practical strategies for maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing.

Speaker: Diane Silve, Director & Senior Trademark Counsel, Mondelez International

Session 8: Improving the patent process: enhancing client experience through patent prosecution and administration

The process of patent prosecution and administration can be complex and time-consuming, with potential delays, revisions, and rejections. This session will identify best practices for application drafting, patentability opinions, examiner interviews, appeals, interferences, due diligence strategies, and communication with clients

Speakers: Giovanna Vigano, Senior Counsel at MasterCard; Tom Furnival, Partner at Mewburn Ellis; Liz Elmhirst, VP Intellectual Property Achilles Therapeutics; Pav Piotrowicz, Partner at Venner Shipley.

Moderator: Harry Muttock, Senior Associate at Pinsent Masons

Keynote: The WIPO Madrid System: streamlining global trademark portfolio management

The Madrid System is a powerful tool to create and fast track trademark protection strategies and streamline clients’ portfolios management. This keynote will delve into the strategic advantages of the WIPO international trademark registration system and discuss the latest legal updates and new member developments. We will also highlight the recent and upcoming enhancements in user experience for trademark practitioners driven by the digitization of the services.

Speaker: Debbie Roenning, Director, Madrid Legal Division, Madrid Registry, Brands and Designs Sector, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)