Conference Sessions Summary
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Monday, September 30, 2024
- Keynote Address: Tom Pesce -- Celebrate the Magic of Docketing
-
Kenny Leckie -- You Are Your Own Security Sentinel - Safeguard Your Digital World / Best Practices Handout
-
-
Practical Strategies to Protect The Information That Matters Most in today's digital world, protecting the information that matters in your life falls squarely on your shoulders. As a risk management steward, you are the first line of defense - the sentinel ensuring that digital doors are locked and the proper security measures are in place to thwart attacks. This responsibility cannot be delegated solely to IT or others; information security is deeply personal. Security is everyone's job!
-
This session provided actionable tips that everyone can apply to enhance their digital security, and commitment to risk management.
-
- Elyssa "Lys" LeFevre Chayo -- Beyond the Docket: Ignite Your Career from an Unconventional Foundation
-
-
Lys guided attendees on a journey of self-discovery, sharing strategic insights and practical steps to leverage your docketing prowess as a springboard for extraordinary growth. Attendees discovered how to evolve from a tactical specialist to a strategic influencer, shaping legal outcomes and driving innovation within your organization. Lys taught how to harness the power of docketing systems to unlock unique opportunities, build a powerful personal brand, and achieve career advancement in both law firms and corporate legal departments. This dynamic interactive session equipped you with actionable strategies to:
-
Reimagine your potential: See docketing not just as a task, but as a strategic vantage point.
-
Embrace risk and seize opportunities: Step outside your comfort zone and champion change.
-
Build a powerful personal brand: Become a sought-after thought leader in your field.
-
Network with purpose: Forge authentic connections and expand your sphere of influence.
-
Stay ahead of the curve: Embrace continuous learning to future-proof your career.
-
-
- Round Robins -- IP and Litigation
-
- Litigation attendees discussed Docketing Software and Conversion.
- The IP group discussed Foreign Agent Correspondence and Docketing CLEs.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Director Presentation Part 1 & 2
James Wilson, Regional Assistant Director, USPTO
James delivered remarks on the latest happenings at the USPTO. Attendees gained valuable insights into the USPTO's current initiatives aimed at enhancing patent quality, reducing application processing times, and ensuring robust trademark protection. This session explored the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, on the IP docketing profession, and the strategies the USPTO is implementing to stay ahead of these developments.
Meet the Patent Examiner
Ajay Bhatia, Supervisory Patent Examiner, USPTO
USPTO employees are skilled attorneys, engineers, scientists, and STEM professionals who work closely with entrepreneurs and inventors who want to protect their intellectual property (IP) at the federal level. Patent examiners process patent applications and determine whether a patent can be granted. Their work facilitates the USPTO's mission to drive U.S. innovation, inclusive capitalism, and global competitiveness by promoting the efficient delivery of reliable IP rights. Ajay Bhatia has been a Supervisory Patent Examiner for 10 years. He recently served as acting director of TC 2400 in computer technology art. Graduated from Virginia Tech for Computer Engineering and George Washington University for Law.
Meet the Trademark Examiner
Mariessa Terrell, Attorney Advisor, Trademarks, USPTO
USPTO employees are skilled attorneys, engineers, scientists, and STEM professionals who work closely with entrepreneurs and inventors who want to protect their intellectual property (IP) at the federal level. Trademark examining attorneys process trademark applications and determine whether a trademark is eligible for federal registration. Their work facilitates the USPTO's mission to drive U.S. innovation, inclusive capitalism, and global competitiveness by promoting the efficient delivery of reliable IP rights. Mariessa Terrell is a current Attorney advisor to Trademarks Customer Outreach and also is a former trademark examining attorney. Mariessa detailed those specific positions and duties, providing a quick snapshot of a "day in the life" examining applications.
Christina Bates, Zhakalazky Carrion, Sarah Wood
The Automation in Intellectual Property (IP) Panel discussed the implementation and benefits of automation within their law firms. This forum featured discussions on how automation creates efficiencies for docketing staff, improving workflow and reducing manual errors. Participants shared insights on various automated tools and technologies they use to streamline IP management processes. Additionally, the panel discussed auditing mechanisms to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the docketing system.Rose Walsh
In this session, Rose discussed the principles of coaching and how to move from "telling" to "asking." Attendees learned how to ask insightful questions that help gain clarify on goals, barriers, and motivators. Help employees write their own story of success by providing feedback that helps them move from here and now to their future improved performance. Teach the employee to learn and develop as they take progressive steps to a performance development goal.
Litigation Track
Docketing and Court Services Dept Career Pathing - Lecture & Roundtable
Mike Nega
This two-part session helped attendees gain a better understanding of career opportunities within your department/organization; connect your career goals with the Firm's needs; decide on a career path with specific job choices/descriptions; and assess your skills, define strategies and set goals to strengthen your current capabilities for career advancement. Attendees learned how to get Firm buy-in and create career tracks in your department.
Through the Looking Glass: A Practitioner-turned-Clerk's Perspective on Federal Practice
Lynda Hill, Clerk of Court, USDC Middle District of Tennessee
To minimize filing errors, increase efficiency, and ensure success, litigation department internal operating procedures should reflect an understanding of court operations. Through open dialogue and Q&A, this session went down the Rabbit-Hole to explore the often-misunderstood world that is the Clerk's Office.
Firm-Wide Docketing - The Swiss Army Knife You Didn't Know You Had - Panel and Roundtable
Jessica Trudeau, Amber Goodenough
The modern Docket Department is dynamic, impactful, and the unknown Swiss army knife of any sized firm. Jessica and Amber shared their experiences collaborating cross-departmentally to promote and elevate the docketing team's value as the Firm's primary knowledge management database, serving multiple departmental, executive, and practice group needs. They shared perspectives for how to serve as a high-level advisor to law firm leaders and practice teams to pricing and business development directors, all the way up to the C-Suite and Executive Board. The panel was followed by a roundtable discussion unpacking the ideas presented by the panel.
Krista Wilmot, John Robinson, Rich LaRosa
Attendees enjoyed a Chit Chat styled meeting where they explored the intricacies of securing attorney buy-in for docketing. This idea sharing session was designed to address common challenges we face and the strategies for navigating them.