LEAP First Anniversary Event

The LEAP First Anniversary Event celebrates the inaugural year of the Legal Experience and Advancement Program (LEAP), an initiative by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) aimed at enhancing the professional development of patent attorneys and agents through increased opportunities for oral advocacy before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The event is organized by the USPTO's PTAB.

The program features an overview of LEAP's achievements and a panel discussion on development opportunities for newer practitioners. Keynote addresses are delivered by PTAB Chief Judge Scott Boalick and Chief Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Distinguished panelists include Julie Mar-Spinola, Chair of the USPTO’s Patent Public Advisory Committee and Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Finjan Holdings, Inc.; Kathi Vidal, Silicon Valley Managing Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP; Ian Soule, Associate at Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.; and Michelle Ankenbrand, Lead Judge at the USPTO PTAB.

The event is free and open to all, providing captioning services for accessibility. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with leading figures in the patent law community, gain insights into the LEAP program, and explore avenues for professional growth. The event is particularly beneficial for newer practitioners seeking to enhance their oral advocacy skills and understanding of PTAB proceedings.