This session will cover notable patent trends in the US, including the expansion of the e-commerce and software sector, AI patenting and litigation, and an update on policy at the PTAB.

Hear from an exclusive panel of three former law clerks from the nation’s busiest patent hubs—the District of Delaware, the Western District of Texas, and the Eastern District of Texas—for a candid discussion on their behind-the-scenes experiences.  These insiders will provide unique perspectives and key takeaways for practicing before their judges, who are some of the leading voices in helping shape current patent litigation and procedural doctrine.

A structural shift is underway in the global patent landscape, driven by developments on both the technology and legal fronts. We will examine how Europe is navigating rising geopolitical competition by leveraging its strengths and legal instruments to exert global influence over the patent system. The growing role of European courts, particularly the UPC, will be discussed. We will then turn to China, which has been strengthening its domestic industries through technological development and legal reform. Lastly, we will explore other key developments affecting the global patent landscape.

“Long-arm jurisdiction" has been one of the patent litigation industry's buzzwords of the year. The European Court of Justice's BSH v. Electrolux decision in February 2025 kicked it off, enabling European courts to adjudicate foreign patent infringement. Since then, several national courts and the UPC have applied this new rule, reaching as far as judging on infringement of U.S. patents in a German Court. This panel will explore the historic and legal background of the key decisions before and after BSH, will look at the limitations when enforcing judgments reaching out into other jurisdictions, and will close by sharing a perspective on how all of this will influence patent enforcement strategies in the future.

This session brings together industry leaders to discuss how IP organizations leverage AI to drive strategic and financial value across the IP lifecycle from portfolio valuation and licensing strategy to invention harvesting and portfolio development. Panelists will explore real-world applications of AI in evidence-of-use analysis, outbound licensing, patent drafting, portfolio prioritization, and workflow efficiency, while also addressing key challenges around explainability, trust, and human accountability.