Alt Legal Connect Preview An Interview with Panelist Lydia Gobena
Alt Legal Team | July 01, 2021
Alt Legal is looking forward to hosting its second annual virtual trademark conference, Alt Legal Connect, on September 13-15, 2021. One of the sessions in our amazing lineup is “Traversing the Universe of Global Trademark Protection” featuring panelist Lydia Gobena. Lydia joined us ahead of the conference to give us a preview of what she will be discussing, explain why her session is so important, and tell what she’s most excited about at Alt Legal Connect. Check out the video interview or read what she had to say below.
Tell me about your session and what you’ll be talking about.
I practice in the area of international intellectual property law so my session is going to be looking at the differences between trademark prosecution and enforcement in the US versus internationally because I think there are some significant differences. I would like to compare and contrast and that’s primarily what I’ll be focusing on.
What is most exciting about your session topic?
I think what’s great about my topic is that every jurisdiction has its own laws and you’re always navigating. When you’re advising your clients about protecting their rights both in the US and internationally it’s very important to understand that rules that apply to a US filing won’t necessarily apply elsewhere. Sometimes you can get away with filing much broader internationally, so from a defensive standpoint for example, you’re able to protect your rights maybe a little broader than you can in the United States. I think it will be exciting and interesting for people to learn.
What is the most important skill or piece of knowledge people will get from your session?
I think the most important skill is understanding that you have to be adaptable. Also, as a lawyer you have to have a great attention to detail because you’re going to have to understand all the requirements. For example, if you’re filing a trademark application in another country, you’re going to have to file a power of attorney which may need to be legalized and submitted within a certain period of time. It’s really important to understand the laws and rules and that you follow them to a “T” so that you don’t jeopardize your clients’ rights.
What are you most looking forward to at Alt Legal Connect this year?
I’ve never attended, I’m a newbie! I’m really looking forward to some of the sessions and getting to know people. I’m always looking to meet different people in the IP space and to learn from them. I think every conference is an opportunity. In particular, I really love how Alt Legal is looking at it both from a law firm management perspective but also looking at the substantive issues surrounding IP law.
Besides your own session, what session at Alt Legal Connect are you most excited to attend?
I’m really interested in the session relating to IP law and social justice, “IP Matters: Practical ways that IP lawyers can advance social justice.” Over the last couple of years, especially with the George Floyd situation, it’s important for IP lawyers to try to understand how we can improve the world. I’m really looking forward to that session to see what their thoughts are.