Dear Friends,

Join us at the LES 2026 Annual Meeting to experience “Keeping Licensing Classy in San Diego,” October 18–21, 2026. We are excited to welcome you to sun-soaked San Diego, California, home to one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for biotechnology, life sciences, and cutting-edge research. You’ll be steps away from leading labs, thriving startup incubators, and the waterfront that inspires breakthrough ideas.

Building on the rich tradition of LES annual meetings, our LES 2026 Annual Meeting will offer in-depth content, unmatched networking, and a fun spirit. Whether you’re new to licensing or a seasoned expert, you’ll find keynotes, panel discussions, roundtables, and hands-on workshops to help you stay ahead in today’s fast-moving IP landscape. You’ll gain fresh insights into strategic partnerships for IP development and market growth, along with real-world perspectives from industry leaders. We invite you to register early and check back often for program updates as we unveil speakers and sessions.

Check out the agenda highlights:

Friday, October 16, 2026 through Sunday, October 18, 2026

  • LES Academy – Business Development and Dealmaking Courses

Separate registration required. Visit https://les2026.org/les-academy/

Sunday, October 18, 2026

  • Emerging Leaders Sessions I, II & III
  • Annual Meeting Welcome Reception, Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego
  • YMC Cocktail Reception, Happy Does Bar

Monday, October 19, 2026

  • Opening Keynote: John Han, SVP & General Manager, Qualcomm, Inc., “From Innovation to Evidence: Raising the Bar in Licensing”
  • Keynote: Gideon Myles, Associate General Counsel for Patents & Trademarks, OpenAI
  • Deals of Distinction Awards & Business Lunch
  • Plenary Panel: Tari Suprapto, VP, Search & Evaluation, Zealand Pharma & Jennifer Pascua, VP, Global Intellectual Property, Illumina
  • Keynote: Russell Levine, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, “Top 10 Court Decisions of the Year Affecting Licensing”
  • Networking Reception, Music Box San Diego

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

  • Plenary Panel: Patent Licensing and Litigation Landscape in the Evolving Electric Vehicle Ecosystem
  • Plenary Panel: Navigating Licensing Deals Involving Chinese Life Sciences Assets
  • Roundtable Discussions
  • Sector Meeting Lunches; President’s Award & Frank Barnes Award
  • Fireside Chat: “My Life in Semiconductors: from Texas Instruments to TSMC to Made in America Again” – Richard Thurston, Chairman & CEO, Great Lakes Semiconductor
  • Annual Meeting Closing Reception, Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego
  • After Meeting Boat Party on San Diego Bay – Emerald Hornblower (additional registration required)

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

  • CLP Exam Review Course

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego! Please don’t hesitate to contact lesam@northernnetworking.co.uk if you have any questions or need further information.

Best regards,

                             

Efrat Kasznik                                                             Sam Wiley

Co-Chair, LES 2026 Annual Meeting                        Co-Chair, LES 2026 Annual Meeting

President, Foresight Valuation Group                        Managing Director, Ocean Tomo (J.S. Held)

www.les2026.org

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