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 Thought Leader Summit is ON as planned!

We are delighted to announce that Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) will offer remarks at the 2025 Thought Leader Summit. He will be joined by newly appointed Acting Chief Judge Kalyan Deshpande, Acting Vice Chief Judge Michelle Ankenbrand, and other APJs involved in discretionary denial proceedings.This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into the latest Discretionary Denial trends and strategies and to engage with PTAB judges and leading counsel representing both Patent Owners and Petitioners—those shaping the decisions and trends that define this dynamic area. 

The PTAB Bar Association Thought Leader Summit will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and 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. After the sessions, attendees will have the chance to network with peers and colleagues during networking receptions held at each venue. 

The 2025 Thought Leader Summit will focus on the evolving Discretionary Denial landscape. This year’s program will feature 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

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!