Diversity & Inclusion Webinar on 18 March

Exciting News: the Diversity & Inclusion Committee is back with a webinar! Join us on 18 March 2025 at 15:00 CET, to discuss Navigating Ageism in IP Law: Fostering Intergenerational Excellence. Don’t miss out on this important conversation.

The insightful webinar will address the critical issue of ageism in the intellectual property profession. This session will explore how age bias affects IP attorneys and agents across generations, from recent graduates to seasoned practitioners. Our expert panel will discuss:

1. The impact of ageism on recruitment, retention, and career advancement in IP law
2. Strategies for creating an age-inclusive work environment in IP firms and organisations
3. Leveraging diverse generational perspectives to enhance innovation and client service
4. Best practices for knowledge transfer and mentorship across age groups
5. Combating age-related stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities in the IP field

Whether you’re a young professional starting your IP career or an experienced practitioner, this webinar will provide valuable insights on fostering intergenerational collaboration and excellence in the ever-evolving world of intellectual property law

Speakers

Mami Hino

Mami Hino is a partner of Abe Ikubo & Katayama, a Japanese Patent Attorney and admitted to practice in New York. Mami has represented the world’s leading technology companies for many years in disputes, litigation and transactions. Mami’s practice is focused on invalidity trials and resultant IP High Court appeals, cross-border infringement litigation, strategic patent prosecution, client counselling, and opinions.

Due to her background as a registered pharmacist, Mami has extensive experience representing innovative pharmaceutical companies to protect their patents, including by filing patent term extension applications, defending patents in invalidity trials and IP High Court appeals, and filing preliminary injunction requests and/or patent infringement suits against generic drug companies. Mami obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences from Kyoto University and a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Saiful Khan

An internationally respected UK and European patent attorney, with approaching 30 year’s IP experience encompassing both in-house and private practice, Saiful brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his work. He is adept at devising and implementing global patent strategies for his corporate clients and routinely represents their interests directly before the EPO and UKIPO. Saiful has conducted interviews with USPTO Examiners, his work has been used in successful global patent licensing discussions in the context of patent litigation, and he has represented the interests of a leading global patent holder in face-to-face patent assertion discussions.

Being a Chartered Engineer with a Materials Science PhD from the University of Cambridge, an MEng from Imperial College, and with his inhouse work being for a global telecommunications giant, Saiful has handles a varied portfolio ranging from mechanical/materials subject-matter to telecommunications and software inventions. He is a frequent speaker at events and regularly represents the UK and European profession at international gatherings. Saiful has authored articles in various publications, particularly focussed on computer inventions, software and artificial intelligence.

Saiful is honoured to be in a position to continue his long-standing contribution to the wider profession. He is a Board Member of IPInclusive, Co-Chair of AIPPI D&I Committee, and a member of the CIPA D&I Committee.

Bonnie Marcus

Award winning entrepreneur, Substack author, Forbes contributing writer, podcast host, and executive coach, Bonnie Marcus, M.Ed., assists professional women to successfully navigate the workplace and position and promote themselves to advance their careers. She is a leading expert in gendered ageism in the workplace and a fierce advocate for gender equity. Her latest book, Not Done Yet! How Women Over 50 Regain Their Confidence and Claim Their Workplace Power, shines a light on this issue and gives women the tools and the voice to defy ageist assumptions to stay marketable and keep their job. Bonnie’s first book, The Politics of Promotion: How High Achieving Women Get Ahead and Stay Ahead, provides a roadmap for women to navigate the complexities of the workplace and position themselves for success.

With 20+ years of sales and management experience, Bonnie’s extensive business background includes CEO of a ServiceMaster company and VP of Sales at Medical Staffing Network and two others national companies in the healthcare and software industries. She has held executive positions in startup companies and Fortune 500 companies.

Bonnie started her corporate career at an entry-level position and worked her way up to the top of a national company. Her passion is now to help other women embrace their talent and ambition and step into their full potential and workplace power. Bonnie shares her message globally through speaking engagements, live and virtual workshops, blogging, and her popular podcast, Badass Women at Any Age.

Blanca Rebeca Mejía Lozano

Blanca Rebeca Mejía Lozano, Attorney at Law with a Master’s in Intellectual Property, currently works for Bufete Mejía & Asociados, a firm specializing in intellectual property in Central America.

She serves as the National Delegate for Honduras for the Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), Secretary of the Central American and Caribbean group of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), Vice President of the Mejía Initiative for Intellectual Property, and Treasurer of the Honduran Association of Intellectual Property (AHPPI). Additionally, she is an active member of the Unreal Campaign Committee for the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the ASIPI Emprende Program of the Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI).