www.ipo.org

2026

IMPACT REPORT

Intellectual Property Owners Association | www.ipo.org

Table of Contents

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Welcome

Dear IPO friends and colleagues,

We are pleased to share the fourth annual IPO Impact Report, highlighting the achievements and activities of the IPO community throughout 2026.

As a broad-based international industry association, IPO is uniquely positioned to advocate for an IP system that promotes innovation and the development of new technologies, provides member services to educate and shape the IP bar, fosters diverse engagement, and develops the next generation of leaders.

In this report, we highlight activities dedicated to influencing policy in the U.S. and internationally, celebrate members who volunteered their time on committees, and share the milestones that made 2026 a landmark year for IPO.

"IPO membership — a global community of more than 12,000 in-house and outside counsel, inventors, and patent agents — is making a difference in the future of IP."

John Cheek, President  |  Jessica Landacre, Executive Director

President

Executive Director

2026 IMPACT REPORT

2026 Highlights

20

Comments & Testimonies Submitted

Influencing policy and legal frameworks.

25K+

IP Buddy Sessions Answered

Leveraging AI for IP learning.

25

IP Chat Channelâ„¢ Webinars

Expert insights on current IP topics.

12K+

IPO Members Worldwide

A growing global community of IP professionals.

30+

Active Committees

Driving initiatives across various IP domains.

IP Owner Growth Continues to Lead the Way

IPO's increased focus on recruiting and retaining corporate members continues to deliver strong results: new corporate members have exceeded historical averages for three consecutive years, and corporate members maintain the highest renewal rate of any IPO member group.

Strategic Priorities

  • Maximize impact in a changing IP landscape — AI and international harmonization
  • Promote the value of IP
  • Foster diverse engagement on policy issues
U.S. ADVOCACY

U.S. Advocacy & Government Relations

July 2025 – June 2026 — Over the past year, IPO deepened its presence on Capitol Hill and at the USPTO, translating member priorities into direct advocacy with lawmakers, agency leadership, and coalition partners.

Samantha Aguayo
Deputy Executive Director & Chief Policy Counsel

Setting Priorities

In February 2026, the Board selected 2026 Policy Priority Issues including AI's impact on IP, USPTO funding, IPR reform, international harmonization, patentable subject matter, and brand integrity.

Capitol Hill Engagement

Launched "IP Coffee Chat" series in spring 2026; attended fundraisers for key congressional leaders; engaged on proposed valuation-based patent tax.

Legislative Advocacy

Board adopted Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Principles (Dec 2025); opposed ETHIC Act, Skinny Labels Act, and Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act.

USPTO Engagement

Multiple meetings with Director John Squires; submitted formal comments on PTAB rulemaking, U.S. Practitioner Representation proposal, and design patent guidance.

U.S. ADVOCACY

2026 Policy Priorities

In February 2026, the Board selected its 2026 Policy Priority Issues to guide the year's advocacy. A dedicated AI and Copyright Task Force also set three policy priorities in that area.

Intellectual Property and Related Issues That Emerge with the Rapid Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Tools

USPTO Funding and Taxes on IP Assets

Legislative Reforms to Ensure Balance and Predictability in Inter Partes Review

International IP Harmonization and Trade-Related IP Risk

Patentable Subject Matter

Brand Integrity, Anti-Counterfeiting, and Right-to-Repair Boundaries

U.S. ADVOCACY

Capitol Hill Engagement

IPO maintained an active presence on Capitol Hill, engaging lawmakers and staff on key IP policy issues throughout 2025–2026.

Sep 2025

Joined coalition letter opposing right-to-repair provisions in the FY2026 NDAA

Oct 2025

Engaged House and Senate Judiciary Committee offices regarding a proposed valuation-based patent tax

Dec 2025

Board adopted Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Principles — clear, predictable, technology-neutral standards (product of 18-month board-wide vetting)

Jan 2026

Board adopted resolution urging Congress to strengthen the Anti-cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act

Apr 2026

Co-hosted World IP Day reception on Capitol Hill, attended by Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Thom Tillis, USPTO Director John Squires, and Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter

May 2026

Launched "IP Coffee Chat" series, convening member government relations professionals with congressional offices

Jun 2026

Submitted letters opposing the ETHIC Act, Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act, and Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act; published chart tracking all IP-related legislation in the 119th Congress

U.S. ADVOCACY

USPTO Engagement

IPO maintained close, ongoing dialogue with USPTO leadership throughout the period, including multiple meetings with Director John Squires and senior agency leaders on operations and artificial intelligence policy.

Jul–Sep 2025

Participated in meetings at USPTO on design protection for computer-generated interfaces; submitted comments on OECD draft voluntary guidelines for counterfeit goods; convened members on proposed patent valuation fee

Aug 2025

Submitted comments to USPTO on OECD draft voluntary guidelines for counterfeit goods in online marketplaces

Sep 2025

Hosted Acting USPTO Director Coke Morgan Stewart as keynote speaker at IPO's Annual Meeting and for a fireside chat during the Chief IP Counsel Breakfast

Oct–Nov 2025

Held multiple meetings with USPTO Director John Squires on government shutdown impacts, agency operations, and AI policy

Dec 2025

Submitted comments to USPTO on the PTAB Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Jan 2026

Submitted comments on the U.S. Practitioner Representation proposal for foreign-domiciled applicants

Feb 2026

Patent Office Practice Committee quarterly meeting with USPTO Acting Commissioner for Patents and Deputy Commissioners

May 2026

Submitted comments to USPTO on design patent guidance for GUIs and icons

U.S. ADVOCACY

The Courts & IP Tracking

IPO filed amicus briefs in two closely watched cases and tracked over 100 precedential Federal Circuit opinions to keep members current on a fast-moving legal landscape.

Federal Circuit Opinions Summarized in IPO Daily News

22

Q3 2025

opinions

26

Q4 2025

opinions

22

Q1 2026

opinions

21

Q2 2026

opinions

Amicus Briefs Filed

Penn State v. Vintage Brands — Third Circuit (Jan 2026) — Trademark licensor rights

Hikma v. Amarin — U.S. Supreme Court (Mar 2026) — Pleading standards for Section VIII carve-out induced infringement claims

IPO also tracked dozens of congressional hearings and numerous IP bills introduced in the 119th Congress, providing regular updates to members via IPO Daily News.

INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY

International Updates

IPO advocates around the world on behalf of members to judicial, legislative, and administrative bodies for predictable, cost-effective, and efficient IP legal systems. IPO participates in the Industry Trilateral, IP5 Industry, ID5, and TM5 stakeholder meetings, and regularly engages at WIPO.

Thomas Valente,
Senior Director for Global Affairs

Recent Accomplishments

  • Held successful European Practice Committee Conference in Frankfurt, Germany (May 28, 2026)
  • Asian Practice Committee organized an Innovation Dialogue Trip to Tokyo, Japan (June 8–10, 2026) — delegation met with JPO, IP High Court of Japan, JIPA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IP Group of Keidanren, Japan In-house Lawyers Association, and JPAA
  • Led international harmonization activities including Global Assignment and Global ID initiatives
  • Held European Practice Committee Conference in Brussels, Belgium
  • Testified before USPTO on WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge
  • Submitted comments for USTR Special 301 Review
  • Co-hosted IP5 Global Dossier Task Force and Industry Trilateral meetings
  • Attended WIPO General Assemblies and committee sessions

Recent International Comments

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Meetings & Events

IPO offers in-person and virtual education and networking opportunities throughout the year. CLE content covers patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, trade secrets, AI, ethics, diversity & inclusion, and corporate IP management.

Megan Griggs, Director of Meetings & Events

IPOwners Spring Summitâ„¢

Annual one-day conference for in-house IP counsel. Next Spring Summit: March 11, 2027 — Washington, DC

IPO Annual Meeting

Three-day flagship event with 25+ educational programs, workshops, committee meetings, networking, and exhibits. Sept. 27–29, 2026 — Toronto (REGISTER)

IP Chat Channelâ„¢ Webinars

17 webinars hosted January through July 2026 covering the latest IP topics. Free live and on-demand for all IPO members.

IPOEF Awards Dinner

Annual celebration honoring IP innovators and raising funds for IP education. December 15, 2026 — Washington, DC

COMMITTEES

31 Active IPO Committees

IPO's committees are the backbone of its policy and advocacy work, bringing together member experts to develop positions, draft comments, and engage with government agencies.

Committee Highlights

European Practice Committee Conference

Held successful conference in Frankfurt, Germany on May 28, 2026.

Asian Practice Committee

Innovation Dialogue Trip to Tokyo, Japan (June 8–10, 2026). Delegation met with JPO, IP High Court of Japan, JIPA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IP Group of Keidanren, Japan In-house Lawyers Association, and JPAA.

Wellness Committee

Hosted webinar 'Flourish Under Pressure' on May 5, 2026. Available on-demand.

IPO's 31 active committees span patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, AI, international practice, diversity & inclusion, and more.

IPOEF

IPO Education Foundation

2025–2026 Impact

Inspire

Inspire the next generation's understanding of IP as a driver of innovation and economic growth.

Educate

Educate students and the public about the role IP plays in driving prosperity and enriching communities.

Elevate

Elevate awareness and appreciation for IP's role in driving innovation, prosperity, and welfare.

IP is Everywhere!

IPOEF's motto spotlights the innovators who shape our world and the critical role IP plays in driving our economy — across sports, entertainment, music, film, and beyond.

IP Buddy (ipbuddy.ai)

The first AI-powered digital assistant for intellectual property. IP Buddy makes IP education more approachable, engaging, and fun. Featured in Inventors Digest.

13K+

sessions answered in first month

762

TV/radio airings

142M+

Potential audience

Awards Celebration

Over 300 IP practitioners, professionals, and government officials gather annually to celebrate accomplishments in IP.

$85K+

raised for IP Awareness

LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring IPO effectively champions intellectual property rights and innovation.

President

John J. Cheek
Tenneco LLC

Vice President

Yen Florczak
3M Innovative Properties Co.

Treasurer

Troy Prince
RTX Corporation

Executive Director

Jessica K. Landacre
Intellectual Property Owners Association

Full Board Members

David Alban — Xylem

Scott Barker — Micron Technology, Inc.

Tyrome Y. Brown — Dolby Laboratories

Robinson Clark — Exxon Mobil Corp.

Jamie Davis — Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH

Cass Dottridge — Cargill, Incorporated

Robert Giles — Qualcomm Incorporated

Henry Hadad — Bristol Myers Squibb Company

Michael King — Caterpillar Inc.

Christine Lam — NetApp

Alexander E. Long — GE Aerospace

Jeff Myers — Apple Inc.

Erik William Perez — Shell USA, Inc.

Matthew Sarboraria — Oracle Corporation

Daniel J. Staudt — Siemens Corp.

Stuart Watt — Amgen, Inc.

Matthew Anderson — Medtronic, Inc.

Thomas R. Beall — Corning Incorporated

Andrew Chien — Danaher Corporation

Brandon Clark — SLB

Ewa Davison — The Boeing Co.

Jake Feldman — Kenvue

Laura M. Ginkel — Merck & Co Inc.

Aamir Haq — Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Thomas R. Kingsbury — Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

David A. Lane — Johnson & Johnson

Ceyda Maisami — HP Inc.

Sandra Nowak — Solventum

Kaveh Rashidi-Yazd — Eaton Corporation

Laura Sheridan — Google LLC

Sarah Tully — Roche, Inc.

Blair L. Watters — InterDigital

Ronald A. Antush — Nokia of Americas Corp

Steven C. Benjamin — DuPont

Dan Choi — Microsoft Corporation

Tonya Combs — Eli Lilly and Co.

Anthony DiBartolomeo — SAP SE

Louis Foreman — Enventys

Krish Gupta — Dell Technologies

Scott Hayden — Amazon.Com

Laurie Kowalsky — Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Jason Link — Dow Chemical Co.

Paul W. Mussell — Wells Fargo & Company

Hugh Pasika — Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Corey Salsberg — Novartis

Thomas Smith — GlaxoSmithKline

Mark Vallone — IBM Corp.

OUR TEAM

2026 Staff

Our dedicated team works tirelessly to advance intellectual property rights and support our global community of innovators.

Executive Staff

Jessica Landacre — Executive Director — jessica@ipo.org

Samantha Aguayo — Deputy Executive Director & Chief Policy Counsel — samantha@ipo.org

Thomas Valente — Senior Director for Global Affairs — tvalente@ipo.org

Team Members

Hannah Denny, Project Manager

Nick Evans, Operations Manager

Marla Grossman, Legislative Consultant

Megan Griggs, Director of Meetings & Events

Lindsay Jackson, Project Coordinator

Danielle Lee, Administrative Assistant

Kristen Lurye, Deputy Executive Director Foundation

Susan McLoughlin, Director of Operations & Finance

Matt Rankin, Director of Membership Development

Astrid Roe, Legal and Policy Associate

Clara Stanfield, Senior Manager of Meetings and Events

Sydney Parrish, Administrative Assistant

Meredith Ergun, Administrative Assistant


Thank You

To our members, board, committees, sponsors, and partners — thank you for advancing the future of intellectual property.

Intellectual Property Owners Association

www.ipo.org

© 2026 IPO. All rights reserved.