2026 Thought Leader Summit Registration


PTAB Bar Association 
2026 Thought Leader Summit
 
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Alexandria, VA 

 Registration is Open!


Register Here
Members with the PTAB Bar Association enjoy discounted registration. 

Register today to secure your place at this highly anticipated event and join the conversation shaping the future of PTAB practice.
Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Additional Registration information is below. 


Join us for the 2026 PTAB Bar Association Thought Leader Summit on Wednesday, October 7th! The event will be held at the Westin Alexandria Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia from 2:00pm-5:00pm ET. 
 
In a time of unprecedented change across the patent landscape, staying informed and connected has never been more important. The PTAB Bar Association's Thought Leader Summit brings together fellow practitioners, in-house counsel, industry experts, and judges from the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to discuss the developments, challenges, and opportunities shaping patent practice today. 

This year's Summit promises a rich lineup of educational programming, including remarks from Chief Judge Kalyan Deshpande, PTAB, USPTO and two CLE sessions examining the issues and latest developments influencing today's PTAB and patent landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in the industry during a dynamic panel discussion before participating in engaging roundtable conversations that encourage the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and practical strategies.  

  • Session One, a Panel Discussion exploring the Latest PTAB Poicy Developments  
  • Session Two, Round Table Discussions with PTAB Judges, facilitated by moderators on the following topics:
    • Discretionary Denial Factors
    • Pre-Order Patent Owner Submission and Section 325(d) Discretion in Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings 
    • Real Party in Interest Updates
    • Voluntary Search Disclosure Declarations  
    • Recent Developments in Means-Plus-Function Law  

Following the sessions, attendees will continue conversations at a networking reception—offering valuable opportunities to build connections, strengthen relationships, and engage directly with peers and decision-makers.   

Additional program information will be forthcoming.


Registration Information

Registration Fees:
$245 PTAB Bar Association Member, $345 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 21, 2026, 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 21, 2026, 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!