The Working Program Timetable

The Working Program in full

Wednesday, June 24

Session 1: Designs - Recent developments and strategies

Panellists: 
Rob S. Katz, Banner & Witcoff (US)
Chris Cottingham, Hindles, UK)

Design protection is becoming increasingly strategic in a competitive global marketplace. 

This session brings together experienced design attorneys from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. to explore the latest developments in design law, emerging examination trends, and evolving protection strategies. 

Discover how recent changes are influencing filing practices, enforcement approaches, and cross-border coordination—and learn how to stay ahead of the curve.

Session 2: Rock and roll law with Jim Jesse

The greatest hits of All That You Need to Know About Music Law and more.  

Learn legal issues of copyright law, like authorship and infringement, within the context of iconic bands such as Led Zeppelin and the Beatles.  Learn about which songs were the subject of copyright lawsuits and how the matters ended up. A fun and exciting session to learn about copyright legal issues and get a music history lesson at the same time.

Jim Jesse is one of the preeminent music law experts in the country. He teaches music copyright law to lawyers as Rock n Roll Law. He is the author of The Music Copyright Manual (3rd edition) and The Musician’s Guide to Music Copyright Law (2nd edition). He is also a songwriter who has released four albums. 

For more CLE offered by Jim Jesse, please see www.rocknrolllaw.com

Thursday, June 25

Session 3: Patents - Recent developments and strategies

Panellists: 
C. Gregory Gramenopoulos, Finnegan (US)
Dr. Serge Shahinian, Lavery (CA)

Patent law is evolving at an unprecedented pace. 

In this dynamic session, leading practitioners from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. will unpack the most significant developments of the past two years—from shifting patent office practices to key case law trends shaping prosecution and enforcement strategies. 

Gain practical insights into what’s changing, what’s coming next, and how to position your clients for success in a rapidly transforming global landscape.

Session 4: Firm management - How to best work with international counsel

Panellists:
Dr. MaryAnne Armstrong, BSKB (US)
Dr. Emily Dodgson, Abel + Imray (UK)

Strong international partnerships are critical to delivering seamless global IP protection. 

This interactive session explores best practices for building productive, efficient, and mutually beneficial relationships with foreign associates. 

Learn how to improve communication, align expectations, manage costs, address difficult issues, and create long-term collaborations that enhance client service and firm performance across borders.

Lunch Keynote Speaker: Jessica Richard
Senior President, Federal Public Policy, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Washington, DC, US

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization representing the U.S. recording industry.  

A crucial mission of the RIAA is to advocate for intellectual property rights and the First Amendment rights of artists; and to monitor and review relevant laws, regulations, and policies.  

Learn about important IP laws and potential and pending legislation relevant to artists and the recording industry.

Friday, June 26

Session 5: Trademarks - Recent developments and strategies

Panellists:
Anna L. King, Banner & Witcoff (US)
Michael Conway, Birketts (UK)

From evolving examination standards to emerging enforcement challenges, trademark practice continues to shift across jurisdictions. 

Join leading trademark attorneys from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. as they highlight the most impactful developments of the past two years. 

This session will deliver practical, forward-looking strategies to help practitioners navigate office practices, manage risk, and maximize brand protection in today’s fast-moving marketplace.

Session 6: Artificial Intelligence and the Creative Arts

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping innovation and creativity.  

The intellectual property laws are trying to keep up as they wrestle with entirely new legal issues.  This forward-looking session has two guest speakers who will describe how AI is currently being used to create music and industrial designs, and how their professions are likely to change in view of AI advancements.  

The session will also address the legal implications of creations made in part and in full by AI under the primary intellectual property laws. Practice tips will be provided to help attorneys navigate AI creations within the intellectual property law rubric.