Conference programme

Consisting of four sessions over two days, these very dynamic and well-attended sessions enable you to select from a menu of hot topics in the IP, private M&A and technology sectors and participate in roundtable discussions.

 Topics of current interest are selected to stimulate a lively debate. Moderators on each table introduce the table topic and the participants do the rest. Background knowledge or experience within areas for discussion is not required. Our menu will include hot and 'late breaking' topics in the areas of intellectual property law, internet law and mobile technologies, privacy and data protection, technology and contracting.

 Discussion is usually around the interface of law, business, technology and culture, with a global focus. Many topics for discussion are often the subject of considerable public and media interest. In participating in the table topics, you will gain a deeper insight into these areas and be able to add your own comments.

 The format is interactive networking. The sessions will provide you with a great opportunity to meet many other lawyers and to discuss topics of mutual interest with them; don't forget your business cards, e-cards and contact details to share. We welcome new participants in these discussions.

Participants should select two round table topics per session with 25 minutes at each table.

Topics include:

1. IP in the metaverse and beyond

2. Going green – protecting and encouraging green technology innovation with IP

3. New framework for transatlantic data transfers

4. Navigating the dynamics of cyber risk landscape in M&A transactions and beyond

5. Incentivising employees – retention following mergers

6. Fundraising structures for start-ups

7. Fashion and beauty – best strategies for protecting fashion designs in US, Europe and Asia

8. Technology and IP litigation at what cost? A discussion of insurance coverage for legal fees and litigation funding (supportive or trolls in sheep’s clothing?)

9. Impact of DSA on US firms

10. Cloud contracting for the public sector - overcoming doubts and legal challenges

11. Emerging litigation and regulatory risks in crypto

12. Corporate structures for start-ups – the Delaware Flip or not?

13. Out of this world! – trademark protection in outer space

The same topics from session one will run again, please select another two topics to join.

1. IP in the metaverse and beyond

2. Going green – protecting and encouraging green technology innovation with IP

3. New framework for transatlantic data transfers

4. Navigating the dynamics of cyber risk landscape in M&A transactions and beyond

5. Incentivising employees – retention following mergers

6. Fundraising structures for start-ups

7. Fashion & beauty – best strategies for protecting fashion designs in US, Europe and Asia

8. Technology and IP litigation at what cost? A discussion of insurance coverage for legal fees and litigation funding (supportive or trolls in sheep’s clothing?)

9. Impact of DSA on US firms

10. Cloud contracting for the public sector - overcoming doubts and legal challenges

11. Emerging litigation and regulatory risks in crypto

12. Corporate structures for start-ups – the Delaware Flip or not?

13.  Out of this world! – trademark protection in outer space

This panel will address international patent, licensing and global branding strategies for start-up companies.

This panel will address the role of financing an M&A deal as an exit for founders and initial investors. When is the right time to exit?  Strategic vs buyout fund. Common issues when financing exits?  Founders role beyond the deal: temporary stay or complete exit. What creates more value and less conflicts?

1. Best practices for obtaining patent protection in the Americas, Europe and India - strategic licensing and new licensing model

2.. Cross jurisdictional legal insights on smart mobility technology deployment

3. Update on US privacy laws

4. Representations and warranties in tech M&A transactions

5. Diversity, equity and inclusion in technology industries – from inception through financing and exit

6. What’s new with rights of publicity - the power of student-athletes owning their name, image, and likeness

7. Global trends concerning fair use defences

8. NFTs, the Metaverse, and Big Data

9. Foreign investment regulation - tech transactions under increased scrutiny

The same topics from session five will run again, please select another two topics to join.

1. Best practices for obtaining patent protection in the Americas, Europe and India - strategic licensing and new licensing models

2. Out of this world! – trademark protection in outer space

3. Cross jurisdictional legal insights on smart mobility technology deployment

4. Update on US privacy laws

5. Representations and warranties in tech M&A transactions

6. Diversity, equity and inclusion in technology industries – from inception through financing and exit

7. What’s new with rights of publicity - the power of student-athletes owning their name, image, and likeness

8. Global trends concerning fair use defences

9. NFTs, the Metaverse, and Big Data

10. Foreign investment regulation - tech transactions under increased scrutiny

Join a panel of thought leaders in exploring current and future implications of artificial intelligence (AI), with discussion ranging from the regulation of AI to how AI can be used as a force for good.