2025 Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Super Conference

Name: 2025 Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Super Conference | DRI
Start: 2025-03-26T12:00
End: 2025-03-28T12:25
Location: Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

March 26–28, 2025
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead | Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta skyline sunset downtown ferris wheel

Embrace Technological Innovations and Expand Your Connections!

Save up to $500 when you register on or before March 25!
View registration information.

With just 25 years having passed since the start of the millennium, the world has seen a century’s worth of unparalleled developments in technology; innovations in internet technologies, artificial intelligence, worldwide connectivity, and digital art are just a few of the many changes we’ve seen move at breakneck speeds. Businesses and their legal advisors must keep up, get left behind, or worse, fall victim to a host of new liabilities and pitfalls that were mere concepts a few short years ago. Join us in Atlanta to learn how you can not only guard against risks to your business and intellectual property but leverage these developments in your practice.

What You Will Learn:

How artificial intelligence (AI) and “deepfakes” are shaping business and political marketing.
How to guard against being trapped into an accidental franchise arrangement and its associated pitfalls and obligations.
The latest laws on enforcing design patents.
Best practices for using digital forensics to combat intellectual property (IP) theft.
How to protect your trade secrets in the age of AI.
Balancing conflicting demands to manage ethical dilemmas in a legal practice in a fast-paced world.

Expand Your Network By:

Joining lively discussions with presenters, panelists, and other seminar attendees at the “top of their game” to discuss cutting edge issues that matter most to your practice.
Getting to know other like-minded attendees with ample social interactions through receptions, dinners, meetings, and lively discussions.
Exploring the vibrant Buckhead neighborhood and experience first-hand southern hospitality.
Joining through dine-arounds and networking events, you’ll feel at home in no time and leave with a new set of contacts, colleagues, and friends.

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Thank You to DRI's Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property Committees Leadership

Commercial Litigation

**Shannon M. Bell**
Committee Vice Chair

Join the Commercial Litigation Committee

Intellectual Property Litigation

Rachael L. Rodman — **Rachael Rodman**
Committee Chair

**G. Warren Bleeker**
Committee Vice Chair

Join the Intellectual Property Litigation Committee

Registration Information

Save up to $500 when you register on or before March 25, 2025!
Worry-free registration: Cancellations received thirty (30) days or more before an in-person seminar are entitled to a full refund.

Save Your Spot Today

In registering for this seminar, I attest that I devote a substantial portion of my professional time to defending the interests of individuals, business, associations, or governmental entities in civil litigation. I understand that DRI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel my registration, without a refund, if I do not meet the criteria described above.

	Member Pricing	Non-Member Pricing	Non-Member Bundle ^
Regular Registration* (Now thru Mar. 25)	$1,595	$1,995	$1,915
Onsite Registration*	$1,695	$2,095	$2,015
Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)	Group registration is for registering four or more attendees. Members and non-members receive a 15% discount off the member and non-member rates respective to the time the group registration is initiated (i.e. Early Bird, Regular or On-Site registration periods). There is one free registration with every 10 paid registrations. If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here. Please note that online registration is not available for this offer.
Government	Government members will receive the applicable government rate for the seminar upon login. If the government rate does not appear after logging in, please call DRI directly at (312) 795-1101 to receive the discounted rate. Invoices can be sent after purchase upon request.

Not a DRI Member? Select the Non-Member Bundle and Save!

^ Not a DRI Member and new to DRI? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle and receive up to 9 months of membership when you register for the seminar. You’ll be able to add this special offer to your cart at check out. Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase, please contact DRI Customer Service with any questions. Please note renewing members and members with recently lapsed memberships are not eligible for a Non-Member Bundle.

Learn more about membership at DRI and get started on your DRI journey today!

*If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate. If you would like to join DRI to receive the member pricing and see the benefits of becoming a member, click here to go to the Application page.

Networking Events

Premier Networking Reception at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
Sponsored by: ABC

Date: Thursday, March 27 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: Onsite at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Prepare to engage at DRI’s signature Networking Reception, where you can step away from your sessions and immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere. Hosted at the seminar hotel, you'll savor an array of tempting snacks, enjoy an open bar, and delight in refreshing mocktails while you converse, laugh, and forge new connections. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime DRI enthusiast, this event is your ideal chance to relax, network, and truly embrace your time in Atlanta. Grab a drink, seek out a friendly face, and get ready to create memories with your fellow seminar attendees!

Hotel Information

The seminar will take place at Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, 3300 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
To contact the hotel directly, call 404.237.1234.

Reserve your Room Online

Full Agenda

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session
12:00 p.m.	Registration
3:00 p.m.	Intellectual Property Fly-In Meeting
3:00 p.m.	Fundamentals and Refreshers/Litigation Quick Hits Three topics, 20 minutes each. Developing Big-Picture Strategy from the Outset of a Case Tom Wyatt, Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC, Little Rock, AR Tips and Strategies for Briefing in Complex Litigation Shundra Manning, Polsinelli PC, Nashville, TN Day-to-Day Management of Multiparty, Multi-Case Commercial Litigation Chelsea Pieroni, Ellis & Winters LLP, Raleigh, NC
4:00 p.m.	Challenges Facing Commercial Litigators Join fellow commercial litigators as we discuss key challenges, including strategies for building a steady stream of work and effective networking, navigating the growing impact of AI on legal practices, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a demanding field. Hear from fellow commercial litigators at every stage of practice as we share insights and discuss practical solutions to these pressing issues. Moderator Liam E. Felsen, Ph.D., Frost Brown Todd LLP, Los Angeles, CA
5:30 p.m.	First/Second Time Attendees Meet and Greet
6:00 p.m.	Networking / Cocktail Hour
7:30 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session
8:30 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee.
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions Christopher T. Sheean, Swanson Martin & Bell LLP, Chicago, IL
9:15 a.m.	Joint CLE Session with Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Amendments to the Defend Trade Secrets Act / Uniform Trade Secrets Act Plaintiffs in the Trade Secrets realm have benefitted from the practice of broadly defining the topics of the purportedly misappropriated trade secrets. Nothing in the DTSA or the UTSA mandates that plaintiffs identify their trade secrets with specificity at the pleading stage, or within a reasonable period of time after the parties are at issue. Some courts have recognized the grossly inefficient and inequitable practice and have implemented rules to curtail it. Learn about the practical benefits of this approach during a lively discussion with a trade secret litigator and Dr. Regan Charney, an IP Professor and in-house counsel at Arxada. Corey A. Bauer, Houston Harbaugh, Pittsburgh, PA
10:15 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:30 a.m.	Business Litigation CLE Mass Arbitrations: Do Arbitration Clauses and Class Action Waivers Still Make Sense? This session will explore and discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by mass arbitrations, highlighting how businesses and legal practitioners can adapt to the next phase of this growing trend. Key topics include navigating complex arbitration clauses, defending against mass claims, and understanding the implications of recent regulatory changes. Matt Powers, O’Melveny & Myers LLP, San Francisco, CA
	Intellectual Property CLE Effectuating Legal Change (In Assessing Design Patent Invalidity) Barry Irwin, lead counsel for LKQ in LKQ v GM (which changed the law for evaluating the obviousness of design patents), will present on the background of the dispute, the way in which the issue found its way to the en banc Federal circuit, summarize the Court’s ruling and address open issues that remain after the court’s en banc ruling. Barry Irwin, Irwin IP, Chicago, IL
11:30 a.m.	Business Litigation CLE Chevron and What that Means to Our Clients and Practice Areas Jeffrey B. Teichert, Spencer Willson, PLLC, Salt Lake City, UT
	Intellectual Property CLE Artificial Intelligence & “Deepfakes” Used in the Political Arena Deepfakes have become a hot-button issue for both litigation and legislation, but why? This panel will discuss the ramifications of deepfakes, including potential election interference, evidentiary issues, misinformation, and privacy and publicity issues. The panelists will discuss current and proposed state and federal legislation over deepfakes, as well as concerns about First Amendment issues and questions of potential liability for internet service providers (ISPs), news organizations, and other entities. Professor Matthew Sag, Emory University, Atlanta, GA Steve Kiehl, CNN, Atlanta, GA
12:30 p.m.	DRI Networking Lunch
2:00 p.m.	Business Litigation CLE Cracking the (Bankruptcy) Code – What the Commercial Litigator Needs to Know About Bankruptcy Litigation An overview of common issues confronting the commercial litigator in bankruptcy cases. We will discuss attending the meeting of creditors, filing proofs of claims, litigating motions to lift the automatic stay, and adversary complaints objecting to discharge and preference claims, We will also consider the often compressed time frame impacting Rule 2004 discovery and preparing your case for trial in either the bankruptcy court or a jury trial in District Court. Mark A. Ludolph, Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen, P.C., Peoria, IL John J. Richardson, Bernstein-Burkley, PC, Pittsburgh, PA
	Intellectual Property CLE Obviousness-Type Double Patenting and Cross-Border Implications Double patenting issues in patent litigation – Will In Re Cellect have a lasting impact or has Allergan righted the ship? How does the US approach to invalidity due to double patenting compared to that in Canada? Practical tips for litigators preparing for litigation, contemplating cross-border litigation, and engaging in strategy conversations with their patent agent colleagues. Chantal Saunders, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ottawa, ON Canada Walter Hill “Trey” Levie III, Meunier Carlin & Curfman LLC, Atlanta, GA
3:00 p.m.	Commercial Litigation Committee Business Meeting (open to all)
3:00 p.m.	CLE Tracks or Networking Opportunities
	Intellectual Property CLE Leveraging Digital Forensics & eDiscovery Technology: What Lawyers Should Know About Protecting Against - and Remediating - IP Theft In this 1-hour substantive CLE, the experts at bit-x-bit will provide a roadmap to empower attorneys with best practices for helping their clients guard against and, if needed, remediate IP theft. Led by a litigator and cybersecurity/forensic professional, bit-x-bit has nearly two decades of experience helping clients solve challenges at the intersection of technology and the law. In this interactive session, bit-x-bit will highlight: - Best practices for securing important company data - Key lessons for preserving and collecting critical information, through the discipline of digital forensics. - Top steps to take when leveraging forensics to investigate whether IP theft has occurred and, if so, how to remedy the situation. - How to leverage eDiscovery software, including generative AI-backed tools, to speed review, reduce costs and identify key evidence. John Unice, Bit-x-Bit, Pittsburgh, PA Brett Creasy, Bit-x-Bit, Pittsburgh, PA
	Networking Opportunities - Beer Tasting Click on "Networking Opportunities" tab below for list and details.
4:00 p.m.	Business Meeting or Networking Opportunities
	Intellectual Property Committee Business Meeting (open to all)
	Networking Opportunities - Bourbon Tasting Click on "Networking Opportunities" tab below for list and details.
4:30 p.m.	Intellectual Property Social Event
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn
6:00 p.m.	Premier Networking Reception \| Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead Click here for details on the networking reception.
8:00 p.m.	Business Torts Dinner
8:00 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Friday, March 28, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session
8:30 a.m.	Registration and Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Announcements
9:10 a.m.	Joint CLE Session with Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Quack, Quack, Baby: We're All Ducks on a Pond The practice of law can be overwhelming. Client demands, partner demands, court demands. Keeping up with billable hours, meeting payroll, managing employees. Staying abreast of developments in the law, technology, and politics. All while trying to maintain robust and fulfilling lives outside of work. Sometimes it feels like everyone around us is doing just fine, while we're struggling to maintain professional appearances. It is here that we tend to make rushed, ill-informed, or even bad decisions by ourselves that can have serious consequences for our continued ability to practice. Through case studies and anecdotes from the District of Columbia Office of Disciplinary Counsel, this session will explore how lawyers oftentimes find themselves in ethical hot waters, provide a refresher on professional responsibility, and highlight various resources lawyers have when confronting ethical dilemmas. By the end, participants should feel a little less like the only duck paddling furiously and feel a little more confident seeking help when needed. Jason R. Horrell (Assistant Disciplinary Counsel), Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Washington, DC
10:10 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:25 a.m.	Business Litigation CLE Special Considerations in Class Action Settlements In this panel session, you will learn about recent developments in class action settlements, including settlement negotiations issues, settlement agreements, court approvals, settlement and claims administration, and how insurance products may be used to manage settlement risks. Mark A. Olthoff, Polsinelli PC, Kansas City, MO Christopher J. Tucci, Esq., R/G 2 Claims Administration, LLC, Philadelphia, PA Ross Weiner, Certum Group, Plano, TX
	Intellectual Property CLE Trade Secrets & Artificial Intelligence Moderator Nicholas B. Clifford, Jr., Tucker Ellis LLP, Saint Louis, MO David S. Levine, Elon University School of Law, Greensboro, NC Jeremy T. Elman, Duane Morris, Palo Alto, CA
11:25 a.m.	Business Litigation CLE Litigation Funding as a Strategic Tool This program aims to equip business litigation attorneys and in-house counsel from Fortune 1000 companies with actionable insights on strategically leveraging litigation funding. The discussion will explore offensive and defensive uses for financing, the integration of funding into corporate legal departments, and the impact of funding on settlement dynamics. Learning Objectives: - Understand how litigation funding can be strategically employed for offensive and defensive purposes in business litigation. - Learn how to integrate funding into a company’s legal strategy, including managing budgeting legal and ethical considerations. - Gain insight into how litigation funding influences settlement negotiations and outcomes. - Obtain practical knowledge on how companies leverage funding in complex litigation matters. Moderator Richik Sarkar, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Cleveland, OH Kevin Skrzysowski, Certum Group, Cleveland, OH
	Intellectual Property CLE When a Trademark License Becomes an Accidental Franchise Quality control and trademark ownership provisions in a simple trademark license may actually create a legal franchise arrangement between the parties. Franchising is a highly regulated industry in the US and many countries around the world - and not just for restaurants. The consequences of inadvertently creating a franchise can be expensive, time consuming, create legal risk and have lasting impacts on your client’s business. Learn how to navigate the blurry line between a good trademark license and franchise agreement. Doug Knox, Edible Brands, Atlanta, GA Larry Weinberg, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Toronto, ON Canada Susan Meyer, UBGreensfelder LLP, Chicago, IL
12:25 p.m.	Adjourn

Networking Opportunities

Beer Tasting
Date: Thursday, March 27 from 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Pricing: $85 - can be added when you register for the seminar
Location: Onsite at Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Our beer tasting experience offers a curated selection of four unique brews, each chosen to highlight a different style and flavor profile. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of craft beer, this tasting is designed to expand your palate and deepen your appreciation for brewing artistry.

Bourbon Tasting
Date: Thursday, March 27 from 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Pricing: $85 - can be added when you register for the seminar
Location: Onsite at Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Dive into the rich heritage and complexity of bourbon with our exclusive tasting experience. You will sample four distinctive bourbons that showcase the diversity of this iconic American spirit.

CLE Information

Earn up to 8.00 hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including 1.00 hour of Ethics from this seminar.

View CLE Credit by State

In some states that charge late CLE submission fees, there will be a $100 late fee to report CLE credits submitted more than 30 days after a seminar/virtual event. Click here for details on CLE late fees.