2025 Thought Leader Summit Registration
PTAB Bar Association
2025 Thought Leader Summit
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Bi-Coastal Event
Alexandria, VA | San Jose, CA
Join us for the PTAB Bar Association Thought Leader Summit on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The Thought Leader Summit will be 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.
Seats for the event in San Jose, California sold out in 2024!
Please do not wait to register.
Members with the PTAB Bar Association enjoy discounted registration
The 2025 Thought Leader Summit will focus on the evolving Discretionary Denial landscape. Participants will hear from senior PTAB leadership involved in discretionary denial decisions and learn more about the latest trends and decisions impacting post-grant petitions from fellow practitioners, in-house counsel, industry experts, and judges from the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
This exciting program includes:
Keynote Remarks - The PTAB View on Discretionary Denials
- Acting Deputy Chief Judge Kalyan Deshpande in Virginia
- Senior Lead 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
Attendees at both venues will enjoy a networking reception immediately following the programming.
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!