Networking for the “IP Generalist”
Discover the art of networking at the 2025 INTA Annual Meeting, where IP professionals can build lasting global connections through myriad business development activities and evolve into effective “IP generalists.” Grace Magid reports.
The role of the intellectual property (IP) professionals has evolved from specialist to generalist. An “IP generalist” is now working with mixed-IP portfolios and on adjacent areas of the law, as well as on marketing and adverting claims, regulatory issues, and matters relating to privacy and compliance, for example.
As for outside counsels, their clients also expect them to have subject matter expertise in the industries in which they operate. As an in-house practitioner from the European Union shared anonymously as a respondent in INTA’s 2020 In-House Practitioners Benchmarking Report: “Outside law firms need to be experts in the field of trademarks and your industry. Each industry has built-in specifics. They should be responsive. They should propose solutions, provide options, and advise us on what to do.”
While IP professionals’ legal scope has expanded to include other areas of IP and adjacent legal areas, they also require other non-legal—or dynamic—skills such as interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, and marketing and financial literacy.
Today’s IP professional does not only understand the IP, they must also understand the business, and the “The Business of IP.” This is the theme for the 2025 Annual Meeting. It centers on how IP is key to driving innovation and business success.
With unparalleled opportunities to meet and network with global colleagues, the Annual Meeting offers a variety of Business Development (BD) and networking activities to truly encompass the spirit of the IP generalist.
These are not only opportunities to expand your network and client base, they’re also opportunities to benchmark and learn from colleagues, peers, and thought leaders from around the world.
These are not only opportunities to broaden one’s grasp of IP regimes in different jurisdictions globally but also to discover how IP professionals in other parts of world and in different industries approach their work, overcome obstacles, create opportunities in different ways, and how they are succeeding as IP generalists.
The variety of BD activities are designed to help registrants achieve their business goals by catering to all networking styles and preferences.
Maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie who loves talking business out on the waves, or maybe you’d rather connect over a quiet meal with solid ground under your feet!
“Networking isn't just about building professional connections; it's about fostering a sense of community, creating values and cultivating a shared purpose. It turns strangers into acquaintances, and acquaintances into friends, creating a support system that enhances both personal and professional lives,” said 2025 Annual Meeting Co-Chair Okan Can (DERIS, Türkiye).
Join us for familiar and consistently popular offerings such as Table Topics and Speed Networking. Both activities allow registrants to network intentionally and connect face-to-face on a wide range of topics. There are more than 500 Table Topics and 10 Speed Networking sessions available.
Long-time Speed Networking participant Tuvshinsaikhan Nanzaidorj (ATS Partner, Mongolia) said that partaking in these sessions has significantly enriched her Annual Meeting experience, noting, “Speed Networking provides a unique platform to connect and foster meaningful relationships with professionals worldwide.”
The Annual Meeting First-Time Registrant Orientation and Reception (Saturday, May 17, 3:30 pm–5:30pm) and Welcome Reception (Sunday, May 18, 6:30 pm–8:00 pm) immediately following the Opening Ceremonies (4:30 pm–6:00 pm) are great opportunities to kick things off. Everyone is encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremonies.
“Speed Networking provides a unique platform to connect and foster meaningful relationships with professionals worldwide.”
- Tuvshinsaikhan Nanzaidorj
ATS Partners (Mongolia)
Connecting Through Shared Learning
The Annual Meeting is designed to support IP generalists by providing many different opportunities to learn about the latest trends in IP, to share best practices with global colleagues, and to network with brand professionals and IP experts. For registrants who like to grow their knowledge while growing their networks, several workshops streamlined to meet all your needs at once.
The Anticounterfeiting Workshop and Luncheon (Saturday, May 17, from 1:00 pm–5:00 pm) will delve into the complexities of anticounterfeiting strategies, focusing on the transition from online investigations to offline enforcement. This workshop is open to in-house practitioners and government officials only.
The Career Development Day Workshop (Saturday, May 17, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm) features a panel discussion led by seasoned practitioners who will delve into a hands-on training session and provide valuable insights to equip registrants with specific skillsets crucial for your career journey. This workshop is designed specifically for students but open to all registrants.
The In-House Practitioners Workshop and Luncheon—Corporate Connections: Your Company and Beyond (Sunday, May 18, 9:00 am–1:00 pm) will feature two panels, Inside Your Company and Outside Your Company. These will highlight the importance of building networks, engaging stakeholders, and making meaningful connections. Each panel will be followed by industry exchanges discussing practical strategies for strengthening relationships, finding mentors, and fostering engagement across departments and teams. The workshop is also anchored by a Keynote and Fireside Chat that will also focus on the importance of cultivating relationships throughout your career. This workshop is open to in-house practitioners only.
Finally, the TM5 and INTA are hosting a joint workshop titled, Acquired Distinctiveness through Use regarding Three Dimensional Trademarks (Monday, May 19, 9:00 am–11:00 am). The TM5, comprising of the world's five largest trademark offices, is a forum through which the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the European Union Intellectual Property Office, the Japan Patent Office, the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office exchange information and undertake cooperative activities with the aim to support global business activities through trademark protection. This workshop is open to all registrants. No pre-registration is required.
“Business Development excursions combine networking with local culture, allowing registrants to connect in a relaxed and informal environment.”
- Sacha Colquhoun | INTA (USA)
Building Relationships Over Time
Many business relationships are developed through repeated connections. For those looking to bake some stability and familiarity into their networking experience, you may want to visit our spaces available throughout the duration of the Meeting, such as the Business Development (BD) Lounge.
Returning for a fourth year, the BD Lounge is where registrants can gather between meetings and educational sessions. Here, you’ll find comfortable seating, light conversations, and tabletop games which create a quiet reprieve from the busy Annual Meeting, ideal for developing connections in a casual space.
Everyone is encouraged to visit the Innovation Marketplace. Open from Sunday, May 18 until the Annual Meeting concludes on Wednesday, May 21, the Innovation Marketplace is home to the latest innovations, services, and vendors from around the world, and is also firmly positioned in the hub of Annual Meeting activity.
The Innovation Marketplace is perfect for registrants who want to network and learn at the same time. Whether this is your first or your 20th Annual Meeting, there is no better place to start networking and engage with the global IP community. We have 185 exhibitors from 39 jurisdictions. 53 exhibitors are participating for the first time.
This year, registrants can once again try their hand at pickleball and lawn games at the GameOn Sports Arena. These games are opportunities to get active, connect with fans or fellow athletes from around the world, and build friendships while having some fun.
How to Add a BD Excursion on the INTA Events App
Registrants should download the INTA events app before arriving at the Annual Meeting. It can also be used to sign up for BD excursions. Follow these steps on your mobile device:
- Click on the link above.
- Click on the “Details” button next to “2025 Annual Meeting.”
- Under “Order Details” on the right side of the page, click on the “Add Session” button.
- Click on the “Select” button next to the add-on/session you want to sign up for.
- Click “Checkout,” and follow the prompts to make your payment.
You can also sign up for BD excursions on the INTA website.
BD excursions are selling out quickly. Be sure to sign up soon so you don’t miss out!
Finding Common Ground in a Not-So-Common Location
While the San Diego Convention Center is our home for the week and the hub for all Annual Meeting activities, there are also plenty of opportunities to network in and around our host city. BD excursions get registrants out of the conference center and into the heart of San Diego for fun and meaningful experiences.
For those who believe the strongest bonds are formed through meaningful shared experiences, the Meeting offers a variety of BD excursions that highlight the culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty of the city of San Diego.
According to INTA’s Senior Manager for Business Development, Sacha Colquhoun, “BD excursions combine networking with local culture, allowing registrants to connect in a relaxed and informal environment.”
Santiago O’Conor from O’Conor & Power (Argentina) is one of many INTA members who finds these excursions invaluable. “I generally select those activities which I personally enjoy. It is great for making connections because we meet through a common interest which has no international or cultural barrier. Afterwards, when we reconnect, the fact that we have shared an activity together makes our conversation flow easily.”
This year’s offerings suit a wide range of tastes and preferences. Experience San Diego’s layered culinary and beverage scene through the Dine Like a Local Food Tours, the Little Italy Wine Tour, or Brew It and They Will Come, a deep dive into the American craft beer movement.
For registrants who prefer to network while doing a physical activity, check out the La Jolla Coastal Bike Tour, a chilled-out ride showcasing coastal La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Or take the networking into the water and sign-up for Kayaking La Jolla, Paddleboarding on San Diego Bay, or Surfing La Jolla.
Explore the local history, art, structures, and natural landscapes of San Diego via The Secrets of Local Neighborhoods Tour, the Art of Balboa Park excursions, the Torrey Pines Nature Reserve Hike, and the Salk Institute Architecture Tour.
You can also continue networking beyond the Meeting at INTA’s 2025 TM Cup Golf Outing on Thursday, May 22, to connect with colleagues and enjoy a day of fun on the greens.
As usual, the Meeting will culminate with the Grand Finale (Wednesday, May 21, 6:00 pm–10:00 pm). This year, we’ll gather for a block party–themed Grand Finale in San Diego’s beautiful and vibrant Gaslamp Quarter.
Before heading to San Diego, consider all your BD options, and mix and match them to best suit your needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for registrants looking to connect at the Annual Meeting.
But in the true spirit of the IP generalist, we encourage you to broaden your horizons and try something new; it will only make you a more well-rounded IP professional.
“I generally select those activities which I personally enjoy. It is great for making connections because we meet through a common interest which has no international or cultural barrier. Afterwards, when we reconnect, the fact that we have shared an activity together makes our conversation flow easily.”
- Santiago O’Conor | O’Conor & Power (Argentina)
