Dear Friends,
Join us at the LES 2026 Annual Meeting to experience “Keeping Licensing Classy in San Diego,” October 18–21, 2026, in sunny San Diego, California! Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, this year’s meeting brings together global IP and business professionals from operating companies, industry, academia, government, law firms, and investment communities for four days of networking, dealmaking, and cutting-edge programming.
San Diego offers the perfect setting for discussions at the intersection of biotechnology, life sciences, AI, aerospace, media, and emerging technologies. Drawing inspiration from both San Diego and neighboring Los Angeles, the meeting will explore how innovation, strategic partnerships, and intellectual property are shaping industries and driving growth across global markets. We anticipate welcoming more than 500 attendees from around the world.
This year’s program is designed to help licensing and business professionals stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving innovation economy. Attendees will have opportunities to expand their expertise, exchange ideas, and build valuable business relationships through keynote presentations, panel discussions, roundtables, workshops, educational courses, and networking events.
Whether you are a licensing professional, business development executive, in-house or outside counsel, IP deal maker, patent professional, investor, startup founder, or technology transfer leader, the 2026 program offers something for everyone. Sessions will address timely and practical topics, including AI-driven drug development and data licensing, strategic partnerships in life sciences, current issues in SEP and FRAND licensing, defense technology and dual-use IP, technology transfer and export controls, deep tech monetization strategies, digital commerce and content rights management, litigation finance, IP valuation, cross-border licensing, and emerging policy and regulatory developments in the U.S. and internationally.
Check out the agenda highlights:
Friday, October 17, 2026 & Saturday, October 18, 2026
- LES Academy – Business Development and Dealmaking Courses
Separate registration required. Visit https://les2026.org/les-academy/
Sunday, October 19, 2026
- LES Academy – Business Development and Dealmaking Courses, morning sessions.
Separate registration required. Visit https://les2026.org/les-academy/
- Emerging Leaders Sessions I, II & III
- Annual Meeting Welcome Reception, Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego
- YMC Cocktail Reception, Happy Does Bar
Monday, October 20, 2026
- Opening Keynote: Gideon Myles, Associate General Counsel for Patents & Trademarks, OpenAI
- Deals of Distinction Awards & Business Lunch
- Keynote: “Top 10 Court Decisions of the Year Affecting Licensing” – Russell Levine, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Networking Reception, Music Box San Diego
Tuesday, October 21, 2026
- Plenary Panel: Patent Licensing and Litigation Landscape in the Evolving Electric Vehicle Ecosystem
- Plenary Panel: Navigating Licensing Deals Involving Chinese Life Sciences Assets
- Sector Meeting Lunches; President’s Award & Frank Barnes Award
- Fireside Chat: “My Life in Semiconductors” – 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 22, 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)
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