Sarita Venkat, Head of Licensing, Apple (USA) (the importance of diversity for in-house innovation teams)

Sandra Nowak, VP, 3M Innovative Properties Co. (the importance of diversity for in-house innovation teams)

Abstract: Sarita Venkat has worked in various roles at Apple and in other professional positions. She currently also serves as a Business Liaison to the LESI Board of Directors. Sarita even has her own, very popular podcast, Heels of Justice. Tune in to hear her talk about the importance of diversity for managers to fully enable innovative in-house teams.

Sandra Nowak, VP at 3M Innovative Properties talk about the importance of diversity for managers to fully enable innovative in-house teams.

Daren Tang, Director General WIPO (WIPO’s renewed focus on IP commercialization)

Abstract: WIPO Director General Tang was elected and assumed leadership of WIPO in 2020 amidst the pandemic. A key focus of his campaign and his Administration has been to extend WIPO resources to focus more attention on IP commercialization, valuation and how IP can be effectively used in the marketplace. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, LESI and WIPO are working together to engage innovators and SMEs on these issues. Attend this session to hear his vision.

Masashi Sato, SPACETIDE Foundation and Dr. Sergey Zhukov, AeroNet Working Group (The Business of the Space Race: Inspiring innovations and the role of the private sector).

Abstract:This plenary session will focus on “the Business Side of Space.” The intent of the discussion is to talk about how innovation and invention is fueling both the efforts and the economics of space exploration – and the role private sector has taken on in recent years. Speakers will highlight efforts globally but also highlight case studies in Japan and Russia where private sector companies are innovating and protecting that innovation as they reach for the stars.

Bryan C. Zielinski, Chief Patent Counsel, Pfizer Inc, Q&A Session moderated by Gillian Fenton, Special Counsel, Innovation and Government Collaborations, GSK and President LES USA-Canada (COVID Vaccines Development & Industry Impacts: the Pfizer-BioNTech Case Study)

Abstract:COVID-19 has impacted our lives in numerous ways. This session will explore the impacts of COVID on the Life Sciences industries and provide a behind the scenes look at the Pfizer-BioNTech collaboration.

Making Sense of IP Policy Trends. Pro-Patent or Pro-Balance? A panel discussion with speakers from LOT Network, HP, Google and Yum China

Abstract: In recent years, some countries have implemented changes to their laws that tend to favor the patent holder. Such revisions may strengthen IP rights and are considered pro-patent. Judgements in these countries also seem to follow this pro-patent trend, while in other countries both regulators and courts struggle with balancing strong rights with appropriate access to technology. Is a pro-patent trend good for protecting and investing in innovation? Decision makers of leading international companies discuss these issues. Ken Seddon, from LOT Networks moderates this discussion with Michael C. Lee (Google), Jennifer Shi (YumChina), Phyllis T. Turner-Brim (HP) and Charles Kim (Samsung)

Moving forward in the Automotive Sector: Perspectives on Licensing A panel discussion with Speakers from Avanci, Audi, and Interdigital

Abstract:As innovation in the auto industry moves forward, cars also incorporate technology coming out of other industries, including telecoms. Convergence in this area prompts a variety of challenges for those making cars (OEMs) and their suppliers – OEMs want to keep producing cars that integrate new technologies to meet marketplace needs, while avoiding unnecessary litigation. As OEMs face threats from SEP holders, patent pools and licensing platforms have been formed to simplify the licensing business. Some OEMs would prefer that suppliers take licenses for various reasons. This discussion with top industry speakers will help you navigate the different viewpoints and give insight into the options for and actions of auto industry players. Alexander Haertel, (Bardehle Pagenberg), Laurie Fitzgerald (Avanci) Steve Faraji (Audi) John Carney (China IP Exchange) and Eeva Hakoranta (InterDigital)

Passing of the LESI Gavel -- from Audrey Yap (LES Singapore) to John Paul (LES USA-Canada)

Abstract:Our closing session. Attend to hear our president-elect, John Paul’s vision for LESI and to see how the gavel is passed in the virtual age.