22nd Symposium on Emerging Intellectual Property Issues
The 22nd Symposium on Emerging Intellectual Property Issues is an annual event organized by the Tsai Center for Law, Science and Innovation at the SMU Dedman School of Law. This symposium brings together distinguished academics, jurists, and practitioners to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the field of intellectual property law.
This year's symposium will cover a range of pertinent topics, including the impact of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 on trade secret litigation, the evolving politics surrounding patent law and computer-related inventions, and contemporary issues in trademark enforcement such as trademark squatting and the use of AI as evidence of confusion. Additionally, the symposium will explore intellectual property issues in entertainment, publishing, and digital media, focusing on how creative content is protected, enforced, monetized, and distributed across digital platforms.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in panel discussions featuring experts like Joe Cleveland, Chase Cobern, Leiza Dolghih, Tim Hudson, Gregory Howison, Ira Matsil, Jerry R. Selinger, Matt Acosta, Morgan Delabar, Ozz Siddiq, Tamera Bennett, Lisa Normand, and Shani Shisha. The event also includes networking opportunities during the breakfast buffet and boxed lunch sessions, facilitating connections among professionals in the field.
This symposium is ideal for legal professionals, academics, and students interested in staying abreast of emerging trends and challenges in intellectual property law. It offers a platform to gain insights from leading experts and to discuss the future direction of IP law in various industries.
Speakers(17)
Chase Cobern
Associate at Munck Wilson Mandala LLP
Chase Cobern is an associate at Munck Wilson Mandala LLP, focusing on intellectual property law and litigation.
Craig C. Carpenter
Partner at BakerHostetler
Craig C. Carpenter is a partner at BakerHostetler, focusing on technology and commercial transactions, privacy, and intellectual property.
David O. Taylor
Co-Director of the Tsai Center for Law, Science and Innovation and Professor of Law at SMU Dedman School of Law
David O. Taylor is a Professor of Law at SMU Dedman School of Law and Co-Director of the Tsai Center for Law, Science and Innovation. He specializes in patent law, patent policy, patent litigation, and civil procedure.
Gregory Howison
Partner at Munck Wilson Mandala
Gregory Howison is a partner at Munck Wilson Mandala, specializing in patent law and intellectual property litigation.
Ira Matsil
Partner at Slater Matsil
Ira Matsil is a partner at Slater Matsil, focusing on intellectual property law and patent litigation.
Jerry R. Selinger
Partner at Patterson + Sheridan, LLP
Jerry R. Selinger is a partner at Patterson + Sheridan, LLP, specializing in intellectual property litigation.
Joe Cleveland
Partner at Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Joe Cleveland is a partner at Brackett & Ellis, P.C., specializing in intellectual property litigation and counseling.
John Tower
Chair, Dallas Bar Association Intellectual Property Section and Attorney at Hitchcock Evert
John Tower serves as the Chair of the Dallas Bar Association Intellectual Property Section and is an attorney at Hitchcock Evert, focusing on intellectual property law.
Leiza Dolghih
Founder and Managing Partner at Dolghih Law Group
Leiza Dolghih is the founder and managing partner of Dolghih Law Group, specializing in trade secret litigation and employment law.
Lisa Normand
Partner at Platt Richmond, PLLC
Lisa Normand is a partner at Platt Richmond, PLLC, specializing in intellectual property law.
Matt Acosta
Partner at Platt Richmond, PLLC
Matt Acosta is a partner at Platt Richmond, PLLC, specializing in trademark law and intellectual property litigation.
Morgan J. Delabar
Associate at Holland & Knight
Morgan J. Delabar is an associate at Holland & Knight, practicing litigation and dispute resolution across various sectors, including intellectual property.
Ozz Siddiq
Chief Intellectual Property Counsel at Lennox International
Ozz Siddiq serves as Chief Intellectual Property Counsel at Lennox International and holds appointments at Southern Methodist University as Chief Patent Counsel and Chief IT Counsel.
Sari Mazzurco
Assistant Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law
Sari Mazzurco is an Assistant Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law, focusing on intellectual property law and policy.
Shani Shisha
Assistant Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law
Shani Shisha is an Assistant Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law, focusing on intellectual property law and policy.
Tamera Bennett
Partner at Harper & Bates, LLP
Tamera Bennett is a partner at Harper & Bates, LLP, with over 25 years of experience advising on entertainment and intellectual property law.
Tim Hudson
Partner at Barnes & Thornburg
Tim Hudson is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg, focusing on intellectual property litigation and counseling.
Event Details
- Date
- February 20, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Dallas, United States
- Hillcrest Classroom, Underwood Law Library
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Legal professionals, academics, and students interested in intellectual property law.
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
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