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
Attorney at Munck Wilson Mandala LLP
Chase Cobern is an attorney at Munck Wilson Mandala LLP, focusing on intellectual property law, particularly in trade secret litigation and related matters.
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
Professor of Law at SMU Dedman School of Law
David O. Taylor is a Professor of Law at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas, and Co-Director of the Tsai Center for Law, Science and Innovation. He earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. Prior to academia, he clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and practiced patent litigation at Baker Botts LLP.
Gregory Howison
Attorney at Munck Wilson Mandala
Gregory Howison is an attorney at Munck Wilson Mandala, specializing in patent law and the prosecution of computer-related inventions.
Ira Matsil
Attorney at Slater Matsil
Ira Matsil is an attorney at Slater Matsil, focusing on patent law and intellectual property strategy for technology companies.
Jerry R. Selinger
Attorney at Patterson + Sheridan, LLP
Jerry R. Selinger is an attorney at Patterson + Sheridan, LLP, with extensive experience in patent litigation and intellectual property law.
Joe Cleveland
Attorney at Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Joe Cleveland is an attorney at Brackett & Ellis, P.C., with extensive experience in intellectual property law, including trade secret litigation and patent disputes.
John Tower
Chair, Dallas Bar Association Intellectual Property Section at Hitchcock Evert
John Tower is the Chair of the Dallas Bar Association Intellectual Property Section and an attorney at Hitchcock Evert. He specializes in intellectual property law, providing legal counsel on various IP matters.
Leiza Dolghih
Attorney at Dolghih Law Group
Leiza Dolghih is an attorney at Dolghih Law Group, specializing in trade secret litigation, non-compete agreements, and employment law.
Lisa Normand
Attorney at Platt Richmond, PLLC
Lisa Normand is an attorney at Platt Richmond, PLLC, focusing on intellectual property law, particularly in the areas of trademarks and digital media.
Matt C. Acosta
Attorney at Platt Richmond, PLLC
Matt Acosta is an attorney 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
Attorney at Lennox International, Inc.
Ozz Siddiq is an attorney at Lennox International, Inc., handling intellectual property matters and legal issues related to trademarks.
Sari Mazzurco
Assistant Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law
Sari Mazzurco is an Assistant Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law, teaching and researching in the areas of intellectual property and trademark law.
Shani Shisha
Assistant Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law
Shani Shisha is an Assistant Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law, teaching and researching in the fields of intellectual property and digital media law.
Tamera Bennett
Attorney at Harper & Bates, LLP
Tamera Bennett is an attorney at Harper & Bates, LLP, with expertise in entertainment law, copyright, and trademark issues.
Tim Hudson
Attorney at Barnes & Thornburg
Tim Hudson is an attorney at Barnes & Thornburg, with a practice concentrating on intellectual property litigation and trade secret disputes.
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