Beyond Patents: Unlocking the Hidden Treasures of Soft IP
Realizing and Protecting Business Value (Including Case Studies)
Wednesday April 30, 2025
5:00 - 7:30 PM
Knobbe Martens (2040 Main Street, 2nd floor conference room, Irvine, CA 92614)
♦ IP Strategies REVEALED—What the Smartest General Counsels Already Know
(and What You Should Learn Fast)
Savvy General Counsel and business leaders know the importance of protecting
innovation. A comprehensive IP strategy goes beyond patents and is tailored to your
company’s competitive position. Protecting trade secrets. Monitoring social
media for brand impersonation and misappropriation. Enforcing your IP rights
around the world. The competitive landscape is changing, but the smartest legal
minds know where to focus.
That’s why Knobbe Martens, the ultimate IP powerhouse, is pulling back the
curtain. On April 30th, alongside HBSAOC, Knobbe Martens’ legal
strategists—Partners Sheila Swaroop and Jonathan Menkes—plus General
Counsel Jason Weintraub of iconic Jacuzzi Group and Nilab Rahyar Tolton of
cult-favorite beauty brand Summer Fridays—will discuss real-world IP strategies
and high-stakes case studies that turn legal theory into actionable defense tactics.
♦ If you’re a business owner, C-Suite exec, or General Counsel, you already know
that in today’s digital, hyper-competitive, AI-powered world, it’s important to protect
and leverage your brand, content, and trade secrets. But here’s the kicker—they’re
also more vulnerable than ever. This isn’t just an event. This is your masterclass in
leveraging Soft IP to maximize business value.
The smartest companies don’t just protect their IP. They unleash it.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Exclusive Insights: Join in this one-time event with lawyers who are the best in their
field. Learn how to develop and protect your company's trademarks, brands, and other
key soft IP assets.
Fireside Chat: Participate in a dynamic discussion moderated by HBSAOC Board
Members Thomas Dean & Mark Wilser, where our Knobbe partners and General
Counsel of Summer Fridays and Jacuzzi Group will share insights on the latest trends in
trademark, copyright, and trade secret law, as well as actionable strategies for
safeguarding your most valuable assets.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with HBS alumni and influential Orange County
business leaders, fostering collaboration and breakthrough thinking.
AGENDA:
► 5:00 to 6:00: Welcome Reception and Networking
► 6:00 to 6:10: Soft IP Overview and Leading Edge Strategies
► 6:10 to 7:00: Cases Studies, War Stories, and Best Practices
► 7:00 to 7:15: Audience Q & A
► 7:15 to 7:30: Post-Event Networking
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
► $30—Member Pre-Registered Online
► $50—Non-Member Pre-Registered Online
► $60—At the Door (Subject to Availability)
► Free—Crimson Circle Members
ABOUT KNOBBE MARTENS
Knobbe Martens stands at the forefront of intellectual property law, delivering
unparalleled expertise in trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, and beyond. With a
team of over 300 attorneys and scientists, Knobbe Martens is dedicated to providing
innovative and effective strategies to protect and enhance your brand's value.
Event Speakers:
Sheila Swaroop (Harvard College AB '96): Partner, Knobbe Martens (Litigation)
Sheila Swaroop chairs Knobbe Martens’ Litigation Group and has handled over 90 intellectual property cases in state and federal court, the Patent Office, and the US International Trade Commission. Her cases have involved medical devices, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, and she has a strong track record of success. Sheila is also deeply involved in professional organizations and community leadership roles, including current involvement with the Alumni Network for Harvard Women in Orange County, and past leadership roles as President of the Howard T. Markey Intellectual Property Inn of Court, representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, board member of the Orange County chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, President of the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California, board member of Working Wardrobes, and a trustee of Harbor Day School.
Jonathan Menkes (PLDA 35): Partner, Knobbe Martens (Brand Protection/Client Counseling)
Jonathan Menkes specializes in strategic trademark counseling and brand protection across various industries in the U.S. and internationally. He co-chairs the firm’s CBD and Legal Cannabis Group and handles trademark selection, audits, unfair competition, and notice and takedown procedures for copyright and trademark claims. His litigation experience includes proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and domain name disputes. Jonathan has represented clients in numerous industries, including fashion and beauty, sports and entertainment, automotive, food and beverage, medical devices, NFTs and blockchain, CBD and legal cannabis, and life sciences, among others.
Nilab Rahyar Tolton (Harvard Law School JD '10): Chief Compliance Officer & General Counsel, Summer Fridays
Jason Weintraub: Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, Jacuzzi Group
Delicious Appetizers, Drinks, and Parking included.
LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE!
Register here.
(Link to come)