Last week, members of Goulston & Storrs joined over 9,900 attendees from around the world who converged on San Diego for the 2015 Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA).  This 137th meeting of INTA was its largest ever and assembled a remarkably diverse group of brand owners, legal advisors, consultants, exhibitors, and sponsors. As the Annual Meeting returned to San Diego for the first time in 10 years, participants raved about the comfortable weather, the ease of getting around, and the vibrant night life. All of these factors enhanced the trademark industry’s premier educational and networking event.

Although approximately 3,500 registrants hailed from the United States, INTA is a truly international affair. For example, registrants included over 1,500 from East Asia and the Pacific, 208 from the Middle East and North Africa, 295 from South Asia, and 184 from Sub-Saharan Africa. The top 10 countries represented were the U.S., the U.K., China, Germany, Canada, India, France, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil.  As a result, we were able to connect with clients and fellow lawyers from the U.S. and many other nations.

For us, a highlight was attending the annual meeting of the Intellectual Property Practice Group of Meritas, a worldwide network of law firms in which our firm serves as the Boston member. This meeting enabled us to see old friends, make new connections, and hear presentations on new developments in trademark law. But there was so much more to do at INTA.

In addition to attending numerous receptions and other networking events, we and others were able to take in a wide range of exhibits, presentations, committee meetings, and legal education sessions. Hot topics of discussion in both formal sessions and informal conversation included counterfeiting and piracy, trademark fair use, the expansion of generic Top-Level Domains, best practices in trademark licensing, and ways in which in-house and outside counsel can work together in a cost-effective and harmonious manner. One of the most interesting and useful aspects of our many conversations was to compare the legal systems of the U.S. and other jurisdictions where our clients do business.

We look forward to seeing our friends again next year in Orlando for the 138th Annual meeting of INTA. Mark your calendars for May 21-25, 2016.