IP+ Conference 2026
Join us for CSU|Law's annual IP+ Conference - an uparalleled opportunity to learn from the nation's top intellectual property law experts.
Our keynote speaker this year is Steve Potash, Founder and Chairman of OverDrive. Chairman Potash will speak about his career from CSU-grad lawyer to founder of a startup that depends on intellectual property law, on AI and IP, including his pending trademark lawsuit against Open AI for the Sora trademark, digital libraries, legislation and more.
In the morning and other panels, you'll hear about cutting-edge issues in IP law, including:
- IP finance and lifecycle, from startups to IP portfolio sales, litigation funding, and more
- Patentability of emerging technology, from DNA tech to quantum to AI
- IP in entertainment and sports, including developments in name, image, and likeness rights
- AI in the practice of intellectual property law, including best practices, how to leverage it, tools and ethics (ethics credit will be applied for)
Throughout the day, expect captivating discussions, practical insights, and networking opportunities - whether you're an experienced practitioner or just starting out. A special student networking lunch mid-day and networking happy hour will foster connections between students and leaders in the field. All panels will be streamed for the web as well.
Approved for 5.0 CLE credit hours (includes 1.0 professional conduct)
Agenda
8:45 – 9:05 a.m. Registration
9:05 – 9:15 a.m. Introductions and Thanks to Sponsors
- Christa Laser, Associate Professor and Director of the Intellectual Property Program, CSU|LAW
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. IP Finance and Lifecycle
A practical, full-lifecycle view of how intellectual property is created, financed, licensed, sold, and enforced. Panelists will discuss building an investable IP strategy for startups, commercialization and licensing inside operating companies, buy-side and sell-side patent portfolio transactions and valuation, litigation finance and insurance, and the latest practices in portfolio creation, diligence, and the economics of enforcement.
- Moderator: Christa Laser, CSU|LAW
- Wendy Verlander, Founder, Verlander LLP
- Ray Strimaitis, VP of Corporate Development and Global Strategy, Allied Security Trust
- Joseph Rich, Managing Partner, Innovations and Ventures, Cleveland Clinic
- Chris Seidl, Head of IP Finance, Certum Group
10:15 – 10:20 a.m. Break
10:20 – 11:20 a.m. Patentability of Emerging Technology
How patent law is adapting to fast-moving technologies, with concrete examples from stem cell and genome editing technologies, diagnostics, quantum computing and cryptography, and AI-enabled inventions. Panelists will address patent eligibility, enablement, and claim strategy for AI models and software; stem cells, diagnostics, genomics, and CRISPR; quantum hardware, algorithms, and post-quantum cryptography; inventorship and disclosure when development uses AI; and the choice among patents, trade secrets, standards, and licensing.
- Moderator: Christa Laser, CSU|LAW
- Sarah Mirza, Squire Patton Boggs
- Bradley Pulfer, Calfee
- Dr. Raymond N. Russell, Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino LLP
- Robert Knecht Schmidt, Sterne Kessler
11:20 – 11:25 a.m. Break
11:25 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. IP in Entertainment and Sports
A current look at how intellectual property and name, image, and likeness rights are being reshaped in sports and entertainment. Panelists will discuss name, image, and likeness rights amid the emergence of AI and deepfakes; trademark disputes involving celebrity names and personal brands; right of publicity, voice and likeness cloning, and postmortem rights; deepfake licensing, disclosure requirements, and platform rules; and practical deal points for athletes, artists, and creators.
- Moderator: Ari Sherwin, Sherwin Legal
- Mark E. Avsec, Vice Chair, Intellectual Property Practice Group, Benesch
- Anna Kelberg-Kim, Kelberg Law
- Jennifer Molnar, Cavitch
12:25 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Student Networking, Hosted by CSU|LAW
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Keynote: Steve Potash, Founder and Chairman, OverDrive
A founder’s perspective on building a company that depends on intellectual property. Chairman Potash will trace his path from CSU|LAW graduate and practicing lawyer to startup founder, and will discuss digital library innovation and licensing, artificial intelligence and IP, OverDrive’s trademark dispute with OpenAI over the Sora mark, pending legislation, and what founders and their counsel should take from the experience.
- Steve Potash, Founder and Chairman, OverDrive
2:30 – 2:35 p.m. Break
2:35 – 3:35 p.m. AI in the Practice of Intellectual Property Law (includes 1.0 hours professional conduct)
A practice-focused and ethics-centered session on selecting, governing, and using AI tools in intellectual property work while protecting clients, supervising lawyers and staff, and meeting the duties of competence, confidentiality, candor, and verification. Panelists will address high-value AI workflows for patent, trademark, copyright, licensing, and contract work; tool selection, validation, and controls for hallucinated authority; client consent, confidentiality, privilege, cybersecurity, and vendor terms; competence, supervision, candor to tribunals, disclosure, and sanctions; and staffing, training, pricing, and responsible adoption inside firms and legal departments.
- Moderator: Steven Auvil, Squire Patton Boggs
- Steve Delchin, Squire Patton Boggs
- Hon. J. Philip Calabrese, Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
3:35 – 4:30 p.m. Closing Remarks and Networking Reception
Attend in person or online! Zoom registration details will be provided to virtual attendees.
Free for students and those not seeking CLE credit.
Just $25 for those seeking CLE credit - in person or online!
Thank you to our sponsors: John Cipolla (Calfee), Squire Patton Boggs, Renner Otto and Tarolli.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at the $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000 levels. Your support enables us to host this program and provide year-round intellectual property programming and student career development. To sponsor, please contact Christa Laser, IP Program Director (c.j.lasernull@csuohio.nulledu).