The 2025 PTAB Bar Association Thought Leader Summit is a premier event organized by the PTAB Bar Association, dedicated to professionals engaged with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). This bi-coastal summit will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, simultaneously at the Westin Alexandria Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia, and the USPTO in San Jose, California, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time at each venue.
The summit will focus on the evolving landscape of discretionary denials, featuring two Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and developments in discretionary denials through a panel discussion, followed by roundtable discussions with PTAB judges covering topics such as recent director review decisions, alternatives to inter partes reviews and post-grant reviews, and strategies under the new bifurcated process.
Keynote remarks will be delivered by Acting Chief Judge Kalyan Deshpande in Virginia and Acting Vice Chief Judge Michelle Ankenbrand in California. Additionally, recorded remarks from Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) will be presented at both venues. The event will conclude with networking receptions from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, providing attendees the opportunity to connect with peers, in-house counsel, industry experts, and PTAB judges.
This summit is ideal for legal practitioners, in-house counsel, industry experts, and judges involved in PTAB proceedings. It offers a unique platform to stay informed about critical developments, engage in meaningful discussions, and expand professional networks within the PTAB community.
Speakers(3)
Kalyan Deshpande
Acting Chief Judge at Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
Kalyan Deshpande serves as the Acting Chief Judge at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, overseeing administrative patent judges and proceedings.
Michelle N. Ankenbrand
Acting Vice Chief Judge at Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
Michelle Ankenbrand is the Acting Vice Chief Judge at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, contributing to the leadership and management of PTAB operations.
Thom Tillis
Senator at United States Senate
Senator Thom Tillis represents North Carolina in the U.S. Senate and is involved in legislative matters concerning intellectual property and patent law.
Event Details
- Date
- October 8, 2025
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Alexandria, United States
- Westin Alexandria Old Town; USPTO Silicon Valley Regional Office
- Pricing
- $225 - $325
- Audience
- Legal practitioners, in-house counsel, industry experts, PTAB judges
- CLE Credits
- Two CLE sessions available; specific credit hours vary by state.