Sterne Kessler’s Jackie W. Bonilla, Ph.D. will speak at the 4th Annual Forum on Advanced Therapeutics hosted by ACI. Jackie will serve as a panelist during the session, “Navigating IPR Strategy Amid Shifting USPTO Policy and Discretionary Denials,” taking place on March 26, 2026.

Recent changes in USPTO policy have made discretionary denials of inter partes reviews (IPRs) more common, altering the risk-benefit calculus for both challengers and patent holders. This session will provide both offensive and defensive perspectives to help stakeholders make more informed IP and business decisions in a rapidly changing landscape.

  • Offensive considerations: Key factors in deciding whether and when to initiate an IPR petition against a competitor in light of higher discretionary denial rates
  • Defensive posture: Strategies for preparing strong portfolios that can withstand IPR attacks under the USPTO’s updated framework
  • Timing and coordination: How litigation, settlement discussions, and parallel district court actions impact IPR viability and outcomes
  • Risk management: Assessing costs, reputational implications, and competitive dynamics when using (or defending against) IPRs in advanced therapeutics

Related Professionals

Related Services