15th Annual USD School of Law Patent Law Conference

The 15th Annual USD School of Law Patent Law Conference, organized by the University of San Diego's Center for Intellectual Property Law and Markets, is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026. This esteemed event has been a cornerstone for intellectual property professionals since its inception in 2011, bringing together judges, attorneys, scholars, and industry leaders to discuss pivotal developments in patent law.

The conference agenda features a series of insightful sessions, including a morning keynote address by Judge Raymond Chen of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and a lunch keynote by Andrei Iancu, former Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, alongside John Squires, the current Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. Topics to be covered encompass recent updates at the USPTO, strategies for success in the Unified Patent Court (UPC), global IP strategy amidst current challenges, the evolving role of Chief IP Counsel, and ethical considerations in intellectual property.

Attendees will have ample opportunities for networking, including a reception following the day's sessions. The event will be held at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice on the University of San Diego campus, providing a conducive environment for professional engagement and discourse.

This conference is ideal for attorneys, in-house counsel, academics, students, and government employees involved in intellectual property law. It offers a platform to stay abreast of the latest trends, gain insights from leading experts, and connect with peers in the field.