2025 Conference Registration



2025 PTAB Bar Association Annual Conference

The 2025 PTAB Bar Association Annual Conference will be offered in person from March 19 - March 21, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC.  This year, we are excited to host an entirely in-person event, with no virtual component. We encourage everyone to join us to fully engage with the programming and take advantage of the continuous networking opportunities available throughout the conference. Programming will begin at 1:00pmET on the 19th and conclude by 1:00pmET on the 21st.



Conference Agenda Here!


Do Not Miss the Opportunity to Hear These Speakers! 

We are fortunate to have esteemed speakers again at this year’s Annual Conference! Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear from USPTO judges and industry leaders including:

  • Acting Director Coke Morgan Stewart, USPTO
  • Former Director Kathi Vidal, Winston & Strawn
  • Chief Judge Scott Boalick, USPTO
  • Deputy Chief Judge Jacqueline Bonilla, USPTO
  • Vice Chief Judge Michael Kim
  • Vice Chief Judge Michael Tierney
  • Administrative Patent Judge Grace Obermann
  • Farheena Rasheed, Deputy General Counsel, Solicitor’s Office
  • Judge Christopher Burke, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
  • Judge John Murphy, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • Judge Bryan Moore, U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Judge Ryan Holte, Court of Federal Claims
  • NIHF Hall of Famer, Rory Cooper, Ph.D.
  • Braxton Davis, National Council on Patent Practicum


Annual Conference Details

The Conference agenda features sessions with experts, government officials, industry voices, and other thought pioneers that will provide participants with thought provoking insights into the current issues facing those practicing before the PTAB including:

  • Current Issues Before the PTAB: This program will feature current issues in PTAB practice today.
  • Judges Panel: Judges from the U.S. District Court and USITC will share their views and practice tips on the impact of PTAB proceedings on parallel litigation, including stays, estoppel, use of PTAB decisions and party arguments, different burdens of proof, and claim construction differences.
  • Former APJs Panel: This program will provide the opportunity to learn from a panel of former APJs who will discuss the latest in PTAB practice, including their views on internal review of PTAB decisions, discretionary denial, the newest trends in Director Review decisions, and more.
  • Lost A Decision, Now What?: This panel will discuss the benefits and drawbacks associated with the various options for challenging adverse decisions in AIA trial proceedings, including rehearing, Director Review, and appeal.
  • Prior Art & AI: This panel will discuss AI-generated content and its novel legal issues, including its role as prior art, enablement, and estoppel.
  • Debate: This session will offer a lively debate addressing the nuances of, and salient developments in, patent eligibility law and thoughts as to where it is headed.
  • In-House Counsel Panel: This panel will feature in-house PTAB practitioners to share their views on PTAB policies and practices, litigation strategy, and the evolution of the business and legal landscapes in which they practice.
  • Trending Ethical Issues Before the PTAB: This panel discussion will focus on recent rules changes, sanctions decisions, and the ethical implications relating to real parties in interest.

Don’t miss this opportunity to earn CLE credit while learning and connecting with leading experts in the industry!

Be sure to join us for the networking opportunities at the Annual Conference featuring the following: 

  • The NIFH, Camp Invention - Walk for STEM, a one-mile walk through Washington, DC, to support STEM education at 7:00am Thursday morning in front of the Ritz-Carlton.  Click HERE for more information, the walk route, and to register for this free event. 

  • The Walk for STEM will be followed by the Breakfast with a Hall of Famer, Rory Cooper, Ph.D.  The Breakfast will include an art auction of an original portrait of Rosalind Franklin to raise funds for Camp Invention.

  • Networking events Wednesday and Thursday immediately following the day’s programming. Don’t miss the special offerings prepared by the Ritz Carlton chef!


Discounted registration is available to PTAB Bar Association members.
If you are not a member of this growing and dynamic organization, join now HERE.


How to Register for the PTAB Bar Association Annual Conference:

  • Click the Register Now link, below.
  • Proceed by filling out your registration and payment information. Receipt will be sent to email provided.

2025 PTAB Bar Association Conference Registration Fees:


Private Practice AttorneyIn-House AttorneyPatent AgentJudgeStudent/Judicial ClerkOther (non-judicial
government, etc.)
Member Fee$890$375$375$50$50$50
Non-Member Fee$1,075$430$430$50$50$50


New Sponsorship Opportunities are Available!

The PTAB Bar Association is offering new sponsorship opportunities at this year’s Annual Conference . A complete list of opportunities is available at 2025 Annual Conference Sponsorship. To partner with the PTAB Bar Association as a valuable sponsor for this event, please contact LaTrese Wallace at latrese.wallace-ptab@mci-group.com.



Additional Registration Information 


What does my registration fee include?
Your registration includes admission to all sessions from Wednesday through Friday, access to speaker presentations, and admittance to  networking events.  PTAB Bar Association has applied for CLE credit for some of the sessions; more specific information will be forthcoming. 

Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
For all online registrations, confirmation will be immediately sent via email. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, please e-mail info@ptabbar.org. 

What is the deadline for registration?
Registration will close March 17, 2025.

Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my registration?
Refunds of registrations are available based on when you cancel.

Cancellations made by email before 5:00 PM ET March 5, 2025, will be refunded 50% of the registration fee, less applicable credit card fees and a $25 administrative fee.  No refunds will be available for registration cancellations made after March 12, 2025, or for no-shows.

You may substitute another person from your firm or company if you are unable to attend.
Requests for refunds in accordance with this policy or substitutions may be submitted via email to info@ptabbar.org.

Is my registration fee tax deductible?
The cost of your registration and/or sponsorship is not deductible as a charitable contribution.  It may be deductible as a business expense, but you should check with your tax provider for specific guidance based on your individual circumstances.  None of the sponsorship funds are used for lobbying activities.


Questions? Please contact info@ptabbar.org.


Thank you to our sponsors!