Every May, over 10,000 trademark enthusiasts like me gather to discuss trademarks and other IP issues. It's four exhilarating days filled with meetings, seminars, committee sessions, and cocktail receptions in beautiful venues. This year, the event is held in San Diego, California, and I will be attending alongside my eight colleagues from Berggren.
Why INTA matters: Building global connections and expertise
The outside counsel meetings organized by our foreign direct clients and face-to-face interactions with other colleagues are not only crucial but also immensely enjoyable. It's far more comfortable to work and communicate via email with a colleague you've personally met and know who is behind your client's services abroad.
Trademark matters, case law, and legislation are constantly evolving, with new countries joining the Madrid Protocol. International conferences like INTA are the best places to exchange and update this information and discuss local nuances. At Berggren, we are currently focusing on strengthening relationships with our Asian colleagues, as this market is vital for our Finnish clients. Simultaneously, the global market is competitive, and we aim to find the best partners in each country.
20 years of INTA - Lessons, friendships, and the spirit of trademark community
One effective way to learn more about INTA and various jurisdictions is to participate in INTA committee work. Over the past 20 years, I have been involved in several different committees. Currently, in my Commercialization of Brands Committee, we focus on key topics such as licensing, brand valuation, distribution strategies, and growth strategies for SMEs – all supporting the commercial success of brands in the global marketplace.
To maximize the benefits of the four days at INTA, we don't limit our interactions to regular working hours. After business meetings, we explore the city, visiting various venues, museums, bars, and clubs where law firms and other service providers host events for attendees to mingle more freely and enjoy cocktails. Typically, there's no need for separate sightseeing as the firms have already selected the best places to visit.
Is this all worth it? Absolutely YES! My first INTA was in 2004, and over the years, I have not only gained new colleagues but also made friends from many countries. While it may take time to get to know all 10,000 attendees, I will certainly try. For first-time attendees like my colleagues Emilia Hodge and Mika Toikka, I say let's not rush but savor the INTA spirit!
