2026 IPO Annual Meeting

Sterne Kessler Directors Ivy Estoesta, Daniel Gajewski, J.C. Rozendaal, and Monica Riva Talley will speak at the 2026 IPO Annual Meeting. As a premier gathering of global intellectual property professionals, the event brings together industry leaders for educational programs, networking opportunities, and discussions on emerging trends and  best practices in IP law and strategy.

The Real Impact of Office AI Tools on Trademark Prosecution Around the World

Speaker: Ivy Estoesta

Ivy will speak on a panel examining how AI tools adopted by IP offices are affecting prosecution success rates and reducing processing times for trademark applications. The discussion will highlight AI tools currently used by leading offices, including the USPTO’s Class ACT, IP Australia’s TM Checker and Smart Assessment Toolkit, and the EUIPO. Panelists will share insights from early-adopter jurisdictions, lessons learned from implementation, governance and accuracy challenges, and strategic implications for brand owners filing global trademark portfolios.

U.S. Design Law Updates: Caselaw, GUI’s and Virtual Designs

Speaker: Daniel Gajewski

Daniel will speak on recent developments in U.S. design law. Topics will include the USPTO’s recent guidance on protection of GUI’s and virtual designs, LKQ v. GM, Schedule A cases, and Range of Motion. Panelists will also discuss how these decisions are being implemented at the USPTO and the courts and offer guidance for next steps.

Inducement & Indirect Infringement: Navigating Launch Risk Across Industries

Speaker: J.C. Rozendaal

J.C. will join a panel exploring how inducement and contributory infringement are interpreted across key jurisdictions. Beginning with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. v. Amarin Pharma, Inc. on inducement in the context of pharmaceutical skinny labeling. The conversation will broaden to cover cross-industry scenarios, focusing on how courts look beyond the product label to assess companies’ actual market conduct, intent, and how products are ultimately used.

Battles at the Border: Counterfeits, Designs, and Customs Enforcement in Canada, Asia, and the U.S.

Speaker: Monica Riva Talley

Monica will moderate a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of enforcing intellectual property rights at international borders. From knockoff pharmaceuticals to infringing fashion goods, border officials across Canada, Asia, and the U.S. face a steady influx of rights-infringing goods. Panelists will examine the practical and legal dimensions of border enforcement, including differences in protection across jurisdictions, successful enforcement strategies, and lessons learned. Attendees will gain practical insights into best practices for rights-holders and innovative approaches that may be adapted across markets.