Future of IP Protection Podcast

Vivek Jayaram on Educating the Next Generation of IP Lawyers

In this episode, Branddy speaks with Vivek Jayaram of Jayaram Law.
During the episode, they discuss Vivek’s approach to educating students on intellectual property, how laws governing topics like fair use and copyright need to be updated, and his three main predictions for how the protection of IP will evolve over the next five years. 
 
Topics discussed:
Vivek’s philosophy of teaching in an engaging and memorable way
The clash between aging IP laws and transformative new technologies
How the notion of Fair Use needs to be updated, in light of massive amounts of new satire and parody
Why now is the time to be aggressive in defending your brand’s intellectual property
 Why Vivek believes that technology remains more a force for good than for bad.
 

Maura Regan of Licensing International on New Approaches to IP Management

In this episode, Branddy speaks with Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. During the episode, Maura and Branddy talk through changes in the intellectual property industry over the past few years, share actionable steps for brands starting their IP development, and the threats that new technologies are set to bring brands in the coming years.
 
Topics discussed:
The roles that technologies like Chat GPT and Deepfakes will play in brand protection in the future
How IP management is changing from a top-down approach to a more dynamic conversation between brands and consumers
The line that separates fans using your branding as an act of appreciation and IP infringement
Aligning key stakeholders from every corner of an organization in IP management and protection
The many collaborations Licensing International works on, such as with Amazon, Alibaba, Etsy, and major retailers

Eproint’s Gabriela Bodden Explores IP Challenges in the Caribbean and Latin America

In this episode, Branddy engages in a dynamic conversation with Gabriela Bodden, Joint Managing Partner at Eproint. With a background rooted from Customs to a leadership role at her own IP business, Gabriela brings invaluable expertise to the discussion. 
Together, they unravel the complexities of IP landscapes in the Caribbean and Latin America, offering strategic insights for brands navigating diverse legal infrastructures. 
 
Topics discussed:
The complex IP landscape in the Caribbean, and its recent developments and challenges..
Legal challenges emerging from the Metaverse, with issues related to trademarks, patents, and copyright.
The challenges arising from outdated IP legislation in certain Caribbean countries.
Common pitfalls in IP management, including the risks associated with complacency.
The importance of ongoing education, Gabriela urges listeners to stay informed in the ever-evolving field of IP law.

Todd Reves on the Latest Developments at the World Intellectual Property Organization

In this episode, Branddy speaks with Todd Reves, Director, Building Respect for IP Division, WIPO. 
During the episode, they discuss Todd's journey from a customs officer to the Director of the Building Respect for IP Division at WIPO, the pressing need for robust IP policies, especially in the face of advancing technology and its impact on consumer safety and industry integrity. 
Topics discussed:
The critical role of IP in protecting consumers from counterfeit products.
Positive shifts in global IP protection over the last decade.
Challenges and opportunities posed by evolving technology in IP enforcement.
WIPO initiatives, including WIPO Alert and the IPAS Customs Recordation System.
Predictions for the future of IP enforcement, emphasizing the significance of advanced technology like AI.

Maral Behnam-Garcia on the Three Pillars for Brand Success

In this episode, Branddy speaks with Maral Behnam-Garcia, Senior Director, Global Brand Protection and Intellectual Property, formerly with Wish. 
During the episode, they discuss how collaboration between brands, marketplaces, and legislators can solve the counterfeiting crisis. Maral shares her three pillars for success: IP protection, collaboration, and education, while exploring the current challenges in IP protection, the struggle of legislation to keep up with tech advancements, and the impact of recent legal acts.
Topics discussed:
Maral's personal journey and how she became specialized in IP protection, emphasizing the importance of trademarks and branding.
How different stakeholders, including brands, marketplaces, and service providers, collaborate to combat counterfeiting
The challenges of the "whack-a-mole" game in IP protection, emerging technologies, and evolving trends.
 The law's struggle to keep pace with rapidly advancing technology and the need for collaboration with technology companies.
The impact of recent legislative acts like the Informer Consumer Act and the Consumer Safety Act on IP protection and how e-commerce platforms can leverage them.
Maral's three pillars for success: IP protection, collaboration and education, and budgeting for enforcement.
Predictions for the IP protection landscape in the next five years, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and focus on source-level intervention.

INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo on Transforming IP into a Revenue Center

In this episode, Branddy speaks with Etienne Sanz de Acedo, the CEO of INTA, for an in-depth discussion on the current state of intellectual property. 
During the episode, Etienne shares insights on the evolving landscape of IP, the impact of new technologies and players, and the importance of integrating IP into business strategies. He also explores a story of AI in generating speeches and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the world of intellectual property. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of IP in the digital age.
Topics discussed:
The state of intellectual property today and the need for heightened consumer protection in the digital realm.
Raising awareness about the value and impact of IP on the economy, GDP, and research and development.
The adaptation of IP protection laws in response to new technologies, including the Internet of Things, AI, blockchain, and the Metaverse, and the challenges of keeping up with rapid technological advancements.
Changing dynamics in the world of IP, such as entrepreneurs favoring online IP registration and the accelerated pace of product life cycles compared to IP rights.
The profound influence of evolving consumer behaviors on IP and the need to address these shifts effectively.
Viewing IP not as a cost center but as a revenue center and a resource, with the significance of integrating IP into daily business operations.
Valuable advice for entrepreneurs, stressing the early incorporation of IP in business plans, tailored strategies, and leveraging tools for IP portfolio management and revenue generation.

AAFA’s Steve Lamar on Protecting Fashion IP in an Evolving Digital World

In this episode, Branddy speaks with Steve Lamar, CEO & President of the American Apparel and Footwear Association
During the episode, they share (teaser of the problem he helps the audience solve). 
Topics discussed:
How the Three Ts, Traceability, Transparency, and Trust, are crucial for sustainability and compliance in supply chains.
ESG awareness in the context of counterfeiting.
Overcoming indifference in public opinion towards the harms of counterfeiting.
Why legislation needs constant updates as counterfeiters adapt rapidly, and how the INFORM Act is a huge step forward.
Collaboration with trade associations, engagement with peers and policymakers, and educating all levels of a company.
Why brands engaging with legislators and sharing their stories is crucial for effective IP protection.
The importance of IP protection in innovation and growth in a nation's economy
Advice for Fashion Brands: How joining associations, collaborating, and remaining adaptable to evolving IP challenges are crucial for fashion brands today.

NRF’s Stephanie Martz’s Expert Advice on Harnessing Innovation in Retail

In this episode, Branddy speaks with Stephanie Martz, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of the National Retail Federation.
During the episode, Stephanie gives an insider’s look into the ever-shifting landscape of intellectual property in the United States. With experience working as a lawyer for a federal judge, on Capitol Hill, and even in the White House as part of the Obama Administration, she provides vital insights on non-practising entities, artificial intelligence, and the NRF and the support it provides its members, before providing three key pieces of advice for brands listening in.
Topics discussed:
Why non-practising entities, also known as “patent trolls”, have been swiftly diminishing in recent years. 
The impact AI is having on the IP landscape 
The work conducted by the National Retail Federation 
The ways in which the IP protection world finds itself in a time of flux, from patent eligibility, the appeal review process, and laws developing in the Federal Circuit 
The conversations happening with now in Capitol Hill surrounding IP law

Purple’s James Larson on Brand Protection in the Age of AI

In this episode, Branddy speaks with James Larson, Deputy General Counsel of IP at Purple.
During the episode, they delve into the practical impact of generative AI on the IP landscape, the ongoing discourse on whether IP acts as a driver or deterrent for innovation, and how startups can strategically manage their IP approach even with limited resources. The discussion also navigates the tension between evolving technology and the enduring relevance of IP law, and showcases how experienced professionals like James craft innovative solutions to overcome challenges.
Topics discussed:
How generative AI, like ChatGPT and Bard, is changing the landscape of intellectual property.
The long-running debate between whether IP encourages or stifles creativity and innovation in the business world.
How a young brand can wisely prioritize their IP strategy within the constraints of low budgets and high expectations.
The battle between fast-evolving technology and how IP law will always lag behind, but also always stay relevant and essential.
How experienced IP professionals like James find creative and innovative solutions to problems then help them overcome major hurdles.

Nestlé’s Myrtha Hurtado Rivas on How IP Protection Strategies Should Respond to Evolving Technology

In this episode, Branddy speaks to Myrtha Hurtado Rivas, General Counsel Brands, Marketing Properties, Licensing & Anti-Counterfeiting at Nestlé. They talk about the current state of IP protection, how evolving technology presents opportunities and challenges to protecting brands, and how IP laws may evolve to address those new challenges. They also discuss why you should never view an IP strategy as static, why brands need to pay attention to both global and local trends, and what the future of IP protection will look like.
Topics discussed:
The current landscape of IP protection, which is a "mixed picture" that's covering physical and digital, and where some countries are advanced while others lag behind.
How IP laws might evolve, including where to revise old laws and where new laws might be needed.
How to develop an IP strategy, and why it's important to view your IP strategy as fluid, responsive to new tech, and following the business strategy.
Why you should follow global trends, but also pay attention to how local trends are impacting IP protection, too.
How to balance the need to protect IP while also encouraging innovation and creativity, especially from start-ups.
What the future of IP protection will look like, and how it needs to respond to new technologies and embrace change.
Advice for better IP protection, which includes thinking beyond legal services, staying on top of new technology, and onboarding the right talent.