Jennifer Van Kirk Discusses Upcoming International Trademark Association Leadership Meeting

The International Trademark Association’s 2026 Leadership Meeting will bring together INTA leadership and volunteers to discuss the big-picture items that matter most to the organization’s membership.

Womble Bond Dickinson Partner Jennifer Van Kirk is serving as Co-Chair for the 2026 INTA Leadership Meeting, and recently, she and Co-Chair Deirdre Clarke, IP Counsel at Novartis Pharmaceuticals (USA), spoke with the INTA Bulletin about the upcoming meeting and what attendees can expect.

“In terms of the content, we’re both passionate about making sure the content is tailored to the registrants of this Meeting. The last thing somebody wants to do is sit in a session that’s just telling them something they already know. We want to make sure that the content is sophisticated and high-level and brings something new,” Van Kirk said.

The 2026 INTA Leadership Meeting takes place November 17-20 in Phoenix, where Van Kirk lives and works. She said she hopes the meeting also will shine a spotlight on the Phoenix region, not only as a great place to visit but also as the home to a sophisticated business community.

In the conversation, Van Kirk and Clarke also discussed AI in trademark practice and how that topic will be front and center at the leadership meeting. The meeting also will address how trademark practitioners can benefit from learning about other branches of IP law and the importance of well-being in the legal profession.

“I think one thing I would really hope people leave with is a renewed sense of connection to the community, connection to the INTA community, and connection to the individuals that they work with from around the world. INTA really is such a unique opportunity to have those one-on-one personal interactions that help build relationships,” Van Kirk said.

Click here to read “Phoenix Rising: In Conversation with the Leadership Meeting Co-Chairs” in the INTA Bulletin.