Come join us at this year's Spring Seminar! The 2026 Spring Seminar will feature thought leaders addressing key intersections in intellectual property, including global brand strategy, tax considerations, and evolving roles and responsibilities for in-house counsel. Highlights will include insights on aligning IP with marketing and product strategy to drive competitive advantage, an expert panel on emerging IP trends, and an exploration of the complex relationship between tax and IP.
Register at https://is.gd/ips26spring
FULL SCHEDULE:
7:00am-8:00am: Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00am-8:10am: Welcome and Introductions
Hear from the current chair of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
8:10am-9:10am:
Topic: Intersection of IP Strategies to Protect Global Brands
- A framework for the strategic management of intellectual property — not just in legal or technical terms, but integrated with marketing, product strategy, and long-term competitive positioning. The framework is called Value Articulation, and it comprises three stages and practices through which firms can maximize the value of their IP over time.
Speaker:
- Northwestern University – James Conley, Clinical Professor, Kellogg School of Management
9:10am-9:25am: Networking Break
9:25am-10:25am:
Topic: Intersection of Tax and IP
- Our respected panelists will discuss how tax issues tend to surface in IP damages and valuation matters, with a focus on issue spotting and practical implications.
- They will explain the basic amortization and/or depreciation schedules and tax listings for patents, trademarks, and copyrights, including the different approaches for IP that was acquired compared to IP that was created.
Speakers:
- Accurity Group – Christine Hoppe, Managing Director
- Tenneco LLC - John Cheek, VP, Intellectual Property & Legal Operations, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel
- Crowell & Moring LLP – Christine Lane, Partner and Chair of Crowell's Tax
- Group Moderator: Carlson Gaskey & Olds – Timothy Murphy, Managing Partner
10:25am-11:25am:
Topic: AI & IP Lifecycle: Innovation & Risk Management
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AI is reshaping how organizations manage IP across the innovation lifecycle, from capturing inventions to protecting brands. Learn how reducing friction in IP processes can unlock faster, more effective innovation. The session will also highlight critical risk considerations, including copyright, privacy, and governance challenges that organizations may face.
Speaker:
- Ralliant – Kirk Goodwin, VP and Assistant General Counsel, IP
11:25am-12:25pm: Lunch + Networking
12:25 pm – 1:25pm:
Topic: Local IP Rules/Best Practices
- This session will explore local rules and courtroom best practices through the lens of judicial experience. With guidance from the bench, the discussion will focus on how intellectual property counsel can best use these rules and practices to promote efficient case management and fair adjudication.
Speaker:
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan - Judge Terrence Berg
1:25pm-1:40pm: Networking Break
1:40 pm-2:40 pm:
Topic: From Law Firm to In-House: Tools and Strategies for IP attorneys
- This panel will provide practical guidance for attorneys in both private practice and in-house IP roles, framed around the differing considerations and proficiencies required by each role to better serve the client.
- Drawing on firsthand experience, panelists will discuss how client demands vary from outside counsel to in-house roles, and the skills, tools, and mindset needed to succeed as a trusted business partner.
Speakers:
- Arthrex – Bob Fergan, Division Chief IP Counsel
- General Motors – Sten Schuler, Senior Counsel Intellectual Property
- Howard & Howard – Sam Haidle, Shareholder
- Group Moderator: Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. (IP Manager) - Melissa Chapman
REGISTRATION RATES
- Section Members: $225
- Non-Section Members: $295
- In-House: $100
- Students: $30
If your FIRM or a VENDOR you work with would like to SPONSOR this Seminar, please access our Sponsorship Packet (PDF available here).
