TMAE Summit Roundtables The Markitects of the Future: How Technology Is Shaping the TMA Role
Alt Legal Team | June 08, 2026
We’ll be making the most of our time during the lunch hour at the TMAE Summit by hosting small roundtable discussions on a variety of relevant topics. Each roundtable will have a host assigned to lead the discussion with pertinent questions, allowing you to share knowledge and resources and get to know your fellow conference attendees.
Roundtable Description
As trademark operations continue to evolve, professionals are being asked to balance increasing complexity, growing business demands, and rapidly advancing technology—all while maintaining the strategic judgment and human insight that drive successful IP programs. As the complexity of their demands increases, TMAs still have to wonder whether their highly tailored positions will ultimately be cut in favor of technological solutions.
In this roundtable, Marlena Champagne of Fresenius Medical Care will lead a discussion exploring how the trademark operations role is transforming, what skills will define the next generation of professionals, and how technology and AI can enhance (not replace) the value lean trademark teams bring to the table. Attendees will engage in an open discussion around innovation, adaptability, collaboration, and the future of operational excellence in trademark management. Participants will discuss:
- How the trademark operations role is evolving beyond administrative support into strategic partnership
- Why human judgment, institutional knowledge, and relationship management remain essential
- How AI, automation, and emerging technologies are likely to impact trademark workflows
- Which skills and competencies will shape the next generation of trademark operations professionals
- How to create more efficient, scalable, and future-ready trademark processes for lean teams
- What steps to take to balance innovation with risk management, quality, and brand protection
View all TMAE Summit Roundtables here.
Learn more about the TMAE Summit here.
Roundtable Host
Marlena Champagne, Senior IP Operations Manager, Fresenius Medical Care North America
Marlena Champagne is the Senior IP Operations Manager at Fresenius Medical Care North America. With more than 15 years of experience in trademark operations, brand protection and IP management, she specializes in optimizing workflows, driving operational excellence, and modernizing trademark practices for global organizations. Passionate about the future of trademark operations, Marlena brings a practical and forward-thinking perspective on the evolving role of technology, AI, and human expertise in protecting and managing brands.