Alt Legal Connect 2021 featured 11 amazing sessions on substantive IP law and practice management. Learn more about these sessions below and click on the links within the individual session descriptions to view the full session summary.
Nehal Madhani discussed the vital role data and automation play in the future of trademark practice and how the implementation of automated systems allows practitioners to provide their clients premium service. Nehal announced exciting initiatives that Alt Legal is working on including Docketing Rules, which allow users to set conditions specific to their docket so that our software can automatically take action; improving intake forms; and more data-driven insights to make life easier for trademark professionals.
Keynote Summary: Click here.
On Monday, September 13, Lydia Gobena, Partner, Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu presented the session, “Traversing the Universe of Global Trademark Protection.” Lydia discussed best practices for securing trademark rights around the world, including understanding examination differences, taking advantage of international treaties, and recording trademark licenses.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Monday, September 13, Chris Fritsch, JD, BD Technology Consultant and Founder of CLIENTSFirst presented the session, “From Handshakes to Elbow Bumps: Tools, tips, and technology for winning new business in the #NewNormal.” Chris explored the key marketing and business development technology that forward-thinking law firms are investing in to enable effective outreach, enhance relationship building and competitively position the firm.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Monday, September 13, Anne Gilson LaLonde, author, Gilson on Trademarks, Rebeccah Gan, Partner, Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, LLP, and Irene Lee, Partner, Russ, August & Kabat presented the session, “InRecent Exposure: Current Topics in Trademark Law.” The presenters discussed current trademark law developments including the TMA. They also noted timely cases dealing with dog toys and the First Amendment, fair use and the Lil Nas X Satan Shoe, and Redbubble, SHOP SAFE, and online contributory liability.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Monday, September 13, Michael McCabe, Managing Partner, McCabe Ali LLP presented the session, “Marketing Sense: Ensuring your marketing is ethics compliant.” Michael discussed marketing ethics as outlined in the ABA’s model rules and the USPTO’s Rules of Professional Conduct. He also addressed common marketing pitfalls and what to do if you receive notice that your marketing is not complaint.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Tuesday, September 14, Jonathan Menkes, Partner, Knobbe Martens presented the session, “Be Fab with TTAB: Tips for Successfully Pursuing, Defending, and Settling TTAB Disputes.” Jonathan discussed when and why to pursue TTAB proceedings versus litigation in district court and how to secure successful settlements.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Tuesday, September 14, Christian Williams, Founder of Bevel Law, Tyra Hughley Smith, Founder of Hughley Smith Law, and Kimra Major-Morris, Founder of Major-Morris Law presented the session, “IP Matters: Practical ways that IP lawyers can advance social justice.” The presenters provided a practical perspective on how IP lawyers can contribute to social justice in their everyday lives.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Tuesday, September 14, Erik Pelton, Founder of Erik M. Pelton & Associates, Kelu Sullivan, Partner at Kelly IP, and Ruky Tijani, Founder of Firm for the Culture presented the session, “Spring into (Office) Action: Dealing with and Overcoming OA Refusals.” The presenters discussed some of the most common types of office actions including likelihood of confusion, descriptiveness, and failure to function, and demonstrated how to effectively respond to them while providing specific examples of successful responses.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Tuesday, September 14, Carolyn Elefant, Founder of Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant, PLLC, and creator of the blog MyShingle.com, the longest-running blog on solo and small firm practice, presented the session, “Putting the Buzz Back in Blogging: New Tips for a Mature Medium.” Carolyn discussed why blogging is still a vital part of a lawyer’s reputational presence and marketing strategy. She provided tips for complying with legal ethics rules, ensuring online privacy and consumer protection, and generating buzz for your blog.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Wednesday, September 15, USPTO Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy Amy Cotton and Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Operations Dan Vavonese presented the session, “USPTO Updates: USPTO representatives explain recent and upcoming changes.” They discussed the surge in new trademark applications and how the USPTO is addressing it with technical and operational initiatives. They also provided key legal updates including new rules relating to the TMA.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Wednesday, September 15, Tasneem Kkokha, Managing Director at GrowthPlay, presented the session, “Put Your Money Where Your Market Is: Where and How to Market Your Firm to Maximize ROI.” Tasneem discussed how to identify and market to your firm’s best target audience while calculating and maximizing your marketing ROI. She provided practical tips for creating a marketing plan, executing marketing efforts, and developing a follow-up protocol.
Session Summary: Click here.
On Wednesday, September 15, Moish Peltz, Partner and chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman PLLC, presented the session, “In High Demand: Crafting effective and creative demand letters.” Moish provided a strategy for crafting demand letters to achieve your client’s goals, including how to select the appropriate contents and tone, how to use a demand letter to resolve claims before litigation, and how to ensure that demand letters contribute to rather than undermine litigation.
Session Summary: Click here.
Alt Legal Connect 2020 featured 18 amazing sessions on substantive IP law and practice management.
Session Summaries and Recordings