Welcome to the YMC Pan-American Conference 2025!
We are thrilled to welcome you to Washington, D.C.—a city where policy is shaped, leadership is tested, and innovation is constantly redefined. This year’s program reflects the dynamic intersection of intellectual property, governance, and technology that defines today’s licensing landscape.
From exploring responsible board participation and understanding IP policy debates unfolding just steps away from our venue, to tackling the complexities of AI, data licensing, and valuation, our sessions are designed to spark meaningful dialogue and provide actionable insights for emerging leaders.
Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership toolkit, deepen your understanding of legislative developments like PREVAIL, PERA, and RESTORE, or navigate the future of AI in licensing agreements, you’ll find valuable perspectives and real-world expertise throughout the day.
We’re especially excited to close the conference with a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol followed by a networking reception at ACG’s Hill Office—a unique opportunity to build relationships with peers, policy experts, and industry leaders in one of the most iconic settings in the country.
Thank you for being part of this growing community of young professionals. Let’s make this a day of learning, connection, and momentum.
See you in D.C.!
- The Organizing Committee of the LESI YMC Pan-American Conference 2025
PROGRAM
June 26, 2025
tbd - Evening Reception
June 27, 2025
08:45 - 09:00: Welcoming remarks
LES US/Canada President: Evelyn Chen, Ericsson
LESI YMC Chair: Marko Brumnik, Sonnenberg Harrison
LESI YMC Vice-Chair for Pan-America: Jayde Wood, Gowling WLG
09:00 - 10:00: Responsible Board Participation and Organizational Governance
Young professionals are increasingly sought after for board positions and leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. However, understanding the intricacies of responsible board participation and effective corporate governance is crucial for maximizing their impact and avoiding potential pitfalls. As an attendee, you will gain practical insights into navigating board dynamics, contributing meaningfully to strategic decision-making, and lead with confidence. This session is an investment in your future leadership potential and a critical step in your professional journey within LES and in your communities.
Lead organizer: Evelyn Chen. Evelyn currently serves as the President of LES USA Canada. She is also the Director for Ericsson’s IP Rights & Licensing group. Prior to Ericsson, she was a patent litigator and prosecutor for Sidney Austin, LLP and she clerked for the Honorable David Folsom in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. She holds an Electrical Engineering degree and law degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
10:30 - 11:30: Significant Changes to IP Policy, including PERA, PREVAIL, and RESTORE
Given the event's location in Washington, D.C. – where many important IP policies are debated and made – this session will provide attendees with insights into recent and upcoming changes in IP policy and the Agencies that facilitate IP rights. Significant legislation is current in front of the U.S. Congress affecting patents. This includes proposals to make changes to the administrative patent review proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) (PREVAIL), to update the statutory definitions for patentable subject matter (PERA), and to restore a rebuttable presumption for an injunction when patent infringement is found (RESTORE). In addition, the effective administration of IP systems in the U.S. under the current administration seems to be in the headlines daily. Understanding these changes at the USPTO and the Copyright Office is vital for licensing professionals to stay ahead in the field to ensure compliance and provide informed strategic advice.
Lead organizer: Dana Robert Colarulli. Dana currently serves as the Executive Director of LESI. He is an attorney and senior government affairs professional with more than two decades of experience working on legal-related technology policy and intellectual property issues in and with the private sector and government.
Moderator: Morgan Schreurs, Covington & Burling (Also supports the Innovation Alliance)
Dana Colarulli, Partner at ACG Advocacy & Executive Director of LESI
Brian O’Shaughnessy, Partner at Dinsmore & VP for Public Policy at LES USA & Canada
Senate Judiciary Committee Staff (TBD from Senators Hirono, Durbin, Schiff or Tillis team)
11:30 - LUNCH BREAK
12:00 - 13:00: AI, Data, and IP – Essential Considerations for Licensing Agreements
As AI and data become increasingly integral to business operations, this session will explore the essential considerations for licensing agreements involving these technologies. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to navigate the complexities of AI and data licensing, ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities.
Lead organizer: Tayan Patel. Tayan is co-leader of Baker Hostetler’s IP Technology team. His practice focuses on IP-centric transactions and portfolio counseling involving auditing, patent development, monetization and risk management strategies in multiple industries touching emerging-tech, high-tech and the life sciences.
13:30 - 14:30: Monetization and Valuation of Data
Data is a valuable asset, and understanding its monetization and valuation is key for licensing professionals. This session will delve into strategies for effectively valuing and monetizing data, providing attendees with practical tools and knowledge to maximize the potential of their data assets.
Lead organizer: Jennifer Vanderhart
15:00 - Closing Remarks
Summary and outlook of YMC activities - Jayde Wood
15:10 - 18:00 Tour of the Capitol and Networking Reception
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Capitol and engage in meaningful networking and understand some of the workings of the U.S. Congress. Building connections with peers and industry leaders in such a historic setting (and meeting some IP policy experts on Capitol Hill) will enhance the overall conference experience and foster valuable professional relationships. The tour will be followed by a networking event on the ACG Advocacy Offices on the Senate Side of Capitol Hill.
Locations: Capitol Hill – the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) and ACG Hill Office (507 Capitol Court, NE, Washington, DC)
R e g i s t R A T I O N
The registration is free of charge for YMC members.
If you are not yet a member of the LES, you can easily register as a member and join the conference for free
The registration is handled by LES USA & Canada. To register, please click here:
