Viewpoints: LES Academy to Sharpen Licensing Skills Ahead of Annual Meeting
Boston, Massachusetts — October 17–19, 2025
Location: Ropes & Gray at 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Just before the LES USA & Canada Annual Meeting kicks off in Boston this fall, a new opportunity awaits professionals in the IP and licensing space: the debut of LES Academy, an intensive, three-day professional development program designed to equip attendees with cutting-edge tools and strategies in an evolving landscape.
Hosted at the offices of Ropes & Gray at 800 Boylston Street, LES Academy offers two focused tracks—Business Development and Dealmaking—tailored for early and mid-career professionals, respectively. Attendance is capped at 40 participants per track to ensure a dynamic and hands-on learning environment.
“We are excited to announce the launch of LES Academy,” said Mihaela Bojin, LES Education Co-Chair. “This program is not just about instruction—it’s about creating an immersive learning and networking experience that addresses the real challenges our members face in their daily work.”
The academy curriculum draws on the collective expertise of LES’s core faculty, which includes leaders from industry, academia, and top law and valuation firms. Sessions will cover a range of critical topics, including IP licensing, due diligence, valuation, negotiation, and enforcement—especially relevant in a time when AI and emerging technologies are reshaping the profession.
Each day concludes with dedicated networking sessions, offering participants the chance to connect with peers, faculty, and LES leadership in a more informal setting.
“Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your dealmaking skills, this is an opportunity to build your capabilities—and your network—just in time for the Annual Meeting,” said Bojin.
Course Itinerary:
Business Development (Track I) – For those with less than 3 years of experience as a licensing professional (IP, licensing, and/or valuation).
This track starts on Friday with an overview of intellectual property and the licensing process. It continues on Saturday with modules on valuation and negotiations, both taught at an early career level. Sunday will wrap up with a session on how to successfully manage IP and live with the deal. There will also be a panel discussion on career advancement.
This course aims to strengthen your understanding of the business development process (regardless of your industry) and help you expand your network through the LES community.
Friday (10/17) – Ins and Outs of IP Commercialization
1-5pm, IP and Licensing
5-6pm, Networking
Saturday (10/18) – Business Development
8am-12pm, Valuation I
Lunch
1-5pm, Negotiation I
5-6 Panel, Wellness (career advancement)
6-7 pm Networking
Sunday (10/19) – Closing & Living with the Deal
8am-12pm, Closing and Compliance
Dealmaking (Track II): For those with over 3 years of experience as a licensing professional (IP, licensing, and/or valuation)
Friday begins with an overview of the due diligence process, focusing on technical, legal, and financial diligence. It continues on Saturday with modules on valuation and negotiations, both taught at a mid-career level. Sunday will wrap up with a session on strategies to close and live with the deal. There will also be a panel discussion on work-life balance.
The goal of this course is to sharpen your deal-making skills through experiential learning and hands-on activities, while also broadening your network through the LES community.
Friday (10/17) – Ins and Outs of IP Commercialization
1-5pm, Due Diligence
5-6pm, Networking
Saturday (10/18) – Business Development
8am-12pm, Valuation II
Lunch
1-5pm, Negotiation II
5-6 Panel, Wellness (work-life balance)
6-7 pm Networking
Sunday (10/19) – Closing & Living with the Deal
8am-12pm, Licensing as a Business Strategy
Seats are limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. To learn more or secure a spot, visit: https://les2025.org/les-academy
Faculty:
- Ian Dibernardo, Partner, Brown Rudnick LLP
- Adam Falconer, Owner, Royalty Sense LLC
- Gillian M. Fenton, Executive Director, LST Strategies LLC
- Lalit Gaur, Global Head BD&L, Vetoquinol
- Jonathon Hance, Partner, Bracewell
- Robert Held, President, HeldIP
- Efrat Kasznik, President, Foresight Valuation Group
- Samuel Mercer, Consultant and President, Vancouver Island Life Sciences
- Karthika Perumal, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
- Michele Riley, Senior Advisor, Stout Risius Ross, LLC
- Arpi Siyahian, Attorney, Bookoff McAndrews, PLLC
- Paul Stewart, Managing Director, PASCO Ventures
- Dell “D.C” Toedt III, Attorney, University of Houston Law Center
- Jennifer Vanderhart, Managing Director, Secretariat
- Sam Wiley, Managing Director, Ocean Tomo, A Part of JS Held
- Jayde Wood, Partner, Gowling WLG
- Mihaela Bojin, Senior Associate Director, University of Iowa
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