2026 AIPLA Spring Meeting

In collaboration with the ITC TLA and the AIPLA ITC Subcommittee, Sterne Kessler Director Daniel Yonan, chair of AIPLA’s ITC Subcommittee, will moderate the “International Trade Commission Meeting and Networking Reception” on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. PT. The live panel discussion will feature Administrative Law Judge Monica Bhattacharyya, Jessica Hill of Covington & Burling, and Matthew Duescher of Foster, Murphy, Altman & Nickel. Attendees will gain insights directly from the bench on Section 337 litigation and the current state of practice at the International Trade Commission.

Director Shana Olson will participate in two sessions during the Spring Meeting. On May 13, 2026, she will serve as a panelist for “AI in Trademark Practice: Evidence, Authentication, and Advocacy Before the USPTO and TTAB.” The session will examine best practices for submitting evidence before the TTAB, including with initial pleadings, as well as recent developments such as the November 2025 decision in In re Jiminez. Panelists will also discuss USPTO rules addressing human responsibility, verification of accuracy, and the prohibition on AI-generated content that does not reflect actual marketplace use.

On May 14, 2026, Shana will lead a workshop titled “Trademark Prosecution 101.” Designed for those new to trademark law, the session will cover trademark fundamentals, including use in commerce and likelihood of confusion.