American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) Annual Meeting 2026
Marks & Clerk's global team will be attending the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) Annual Meeting taking place from October 28th to 31st in Washington, D.C.
This year's theme, "IP Horizons: Navigating Innovation, AI, and Global Change," will bring together intellectual property professionals from around the world to explore the legal, technological and business developments shaping the future of IP practice.
Our global team attending AIPLA includes: Canadian partners James Baker, David Ruston, Jean-Charles Grégoire, Counsel Nikki Davy and Client Relations Executive Ian Clark along with UK partner Matthijs Branderhorst and U.S Client Care Erin Copas.
In addition, Jean-Charles Grégoire and Matthijs Branderhorst will attend the IP Practice in Japan pre-meeting on October 27. This program brings together AIPLA members and Japanese IP professionals to discuss recent developments in patent and trademark law, key court decisions, examination standards, and evolving practices in both jurisdictions.
We look forward to connecting with colleagues, clients and industry peers, and discussing the opportunities and challenges emerging across the global IP landscape.
If you'll be attending the Annual Meeting, please reach out to our team to connect.
James Baker is a partner, patent agent and Head of Chemistry & Life Science in Canada. He specialises in the fields of life science, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, polymers, organic and inorganic chemistry as well as chemical engineering and mechanical engineering.
Dave specialises in the field of mechanical and electrical engineering and has with more than three decades of experience advising clients on all aspects of IP, from protection through to enforcement and strategic management of third party IP risks.
Jean-Charles (JC) is a partner, lawyer, and patent agent based in Marks & Clerk's Ottawa office. JC specializes in securing patent and industrial design protection in various fields including high-tech, mechanical, and consumer products. He provides strategic advice to local innovators and multinational companies on portfolio management, enforcement, and freedom-to-operate.
Nikki is a Canadian Patent Agent, US Patent Agent, Chartered (UK) Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney practising out of the Toronto office of Marks & Clerk Canada. She is also a lawyer qualified in Ontario and England and Wales. Her practice focuses on patent drafting and prosecution.
Ian Clark
Client Relations Executive
Ian is a Client Relations Executive in our Ottawa office. He is a former partner of Marks & Clerk and previously practiced as a Canadian patent agent in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and chemistry for almost three decades. In his current role, Ian serves as a liaison between our Canadian practice and key clients around the world.
Matthijs Branderhorst is a Chartered (UK) and European Patent Attorney and UPC Representative. His practice covers patent and design matters, including representation in examination, opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO.
In 2023, Erin joined the Marks & Clerk team, stepping into the role of US Client Care. Operating from Chicago, her primary focus lies in client care, acting as a vital bridge between our esteemed clients across the United States and our global network of Marks & Clerk offices.
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