Events

MIPLA is pleased to share a January CLE opportunity from ChIPs Twin Cities, sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright.

Event Details
Date: January 14, 2026
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM CST
Location: Norton Rose Fulbright, Minneapolis (Hybrid: in-person + Zoom)
Lunch: Provided for in-person attendees

Kick off the new year with Prompting Caution: Broad Perspectives on AI, a high-impact CLE exploring the limits, risks, and opportunities of artificial intelligence for IP attorneys, in-house counsel, and innovators. This hybrid program brings together leaders from private practice, corporate legal departments, and the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) to discuss where AI creates value--and where caution is essential.

What You'll Learn
• Practical counseling frameworks and real-world do's / don'ts
• Where AI truly helps--versus where efficiency gains disappear
• Liability landscape: USPTO / USCO posture, legislative updates, deepfakes, fair use
• Cross-cutting risks: hallucinations, confidentiality, trade secrets, vendor hygiene, prompt retention
• Exclusive agency insights from the USPTO on AI tools, examination pilots, and evolving guidance
• In-house experiences integrating AI responsibly and at scale

Speakers

• Felicia Boyd (Norton Rose Fulbright) Private practice perspective
  Chambers-ranked litigator and U.S. Head of Brands at Norton Rose Fulbright, Felicia brings more than 30 years of experience in complex IP disputes and emerging technology counseling.

• Andrew Johnson (Donaldson Company) In-house perspective
  Senior Intellectual Property Counsel at Donaldson, Andrew leads global IP strategy for the company's engineering and filtration technologies. A registered patent attorney and U.S. Navy veteran, he has deep experience managing innovation and patent risk.

• Marilyn C. Nash (USPTO) Agency perspective
  Regional Outreach Officer and Interim Assistant Regional Director at the USPTO's Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office (Detroit). Marilyn is a longtime federal leader with nearly two decades of experience across government programs and stakeholder outreach. She will share a USPTO-focused, high-level practitioner update on foundational IP considerations and the agency's public-facing AI-related initiatives, including programs and guidance relevant to inventors and practitioners.

• Brian Bender (Solventum) In-house / med-device AI implementation
  Division IP Attorney for Solventum's Health Information Systems Division, Brian focuses on patent prosecution, digital trade secrets, subject-matter eligibility, and responsible AI practices in regulated technology sectors. His background includes roles at 3M, Fish & Richardson, and as COO/GC of a gaming startup.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sheila at sheila.niaz@nortonrosefulbright.com.