2025 Thought Leader Summit Registration


PTAB Bar Association 
2025 Thought Leader Summit 

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Bi-Coastal Event
Alexandria, VA | San Jose, CA

We hope you joined us for the PTAB Bar Association Thought Leader Summit which was held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The Thought Leader Summit was offered as a bi-coastal experience, held at the Westin Old Town Alexandria in Alexandria, Virginia from 2:00pm-5:00pmET, and at the USPTO in San Jose, California from 2:00pm-5:00pmPT.  After the sessions, attendees enjoyed the chance to network with peers and colleagues during networking receptions held at each venue from 5:00pm-6:30pm. 

We were very fortunate to hear Keynote Remarks from Acting Chief Judge Kalyan Deshpande (in Virginia) and Acting Vice Chief Judge Michelle Ankenbrand (in California). Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) provided recorded remarks at both venues.  Panelists in Virginia and California discussed the latest trends and developments in discretionary denials. Judges and staff from the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) participated in engaging and dynamic discussions at the Round Table events in both venues. The Thought Leader Summit was a wonderful opportunity to network and learn from fellow practitioners, in-house counsel, industry experts and judges. 

The 2025 Thought Leader Summit focused on the evolving Discretionary Denial landscape. This year’s program featured influential voices from both the PTAB and the broader industry, offering critical insights in the following sessions:

Remarks from Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)

Keynote Remarks - The PTAB View on Discretionary Denials  

  • Acting Chief Judge Kalyan Deshpande in Virginia 
  • Acting Vice Chief Judge Michelle Ankenbrand in California (virtual) 

Session One -Panel Discussion (CLE Session)
This session will explore: 

  • The Latest Discretionary Denial Trends and Developments 

Session Two - Round Table Discussions with PTAB Judges (CLE Session)
Table Moderators will facilitate discussions on the following topics: 

  • Latest Director Review Decisions 

  • Alternatives to IPRs/PGRs (e.g., EPRs) 

  • Winning Arguments Under the New Bifurcated Process 

  • Other Discretionary Denial Strategies

Additional program information is available at 2025 Thought Leader Summit Agenda - PTAB Bar Association.


Registeration is Closed
Members with the PTAB Bar Association enjoy discounted registration



Registration Fees:
$225 PTAB Bar Association Member, $325 Non-Member


How to Register:
Click the Register Here link above.
Proceed by filling out your registration and payment information. A receipt will be sent to the email provided.

Refund Policy:
You may substitute another person from your firm or company if you are unable to attend.
Requests for refunds in accordance with this policy or substitutions may be submitted via email to info@ptabbar.org
Refunds are available based on when you cancel. Cancellations made by email before 5:00 PM ET September 19, 2025, will be refunded 50% of the registration fee, less applicable credit card fees and a $25 administrative fee. No refunds will be available for cancellations made on or after September 26, 2025, or for no-shows.



The cost of your registration and/or sponsorship is not deductible as a charitable contribution.  It may be deductible as a business expense, but you should check with your tax provider for specific guidance based on your individual circumstances.  None of the sponsorship funds are used for lobbying activities.



THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!