Feride Utku, Partner at DERIS shares her insights on the INTA 2025 Annual Meeting and what attending this event means for DERIS. In the Q&A below, Feride discusses her invaluable experiences with INTA, her expectations for INTA 2025, and more.

Having attended multiple INTA Annual Meetings, how have you seen the event evolve over the years?

Having attended INTA Annual Meetings since 2010, I have witnessed significant evolution in terms of scale, structure, and engagement opportunities. The event has become increasingly dynamic, incorporating more interactive sessions, workshops, and networking formats beyond traditional meetings. Additionally, the discussions have expanded to cover not only core trademark issues but also broader topics such as brand protection in the digital age, AI’s impact on IP, and global enforcement challenges. 

As a partner at DERIS dealing with both Trademark prosecution and litigation matters, what are the key topics you are looking to discuss at this year’s Annual Meeting? Have you noticed any emerging trends or hot topics in IP and trademark law?

This year, I am particularly interested in discussions around AI-generated content and its impact on trademark law, the evolving strategies for online enforcement, and the challenges posed by counterfeiting in e-commerce platforms. I have also noticed a growing emphasis on non-traditional trademarks and the enforcement of IP rights in the metaverse.  

What advice would you give to professionals looking to maximize their Annual Meeting experience? How does attending INTA benefit your business or clients?

To maximize the INTA experience, I recommend planning meetings well in advance, prioritizing key sessions, and remaining open to spontaneous networking opportunities. Engaging in table topics and committee meetings also enhances visibility and knowledge-sharing. 

Attending INTA is invaluable for our business, as it allows us to strengthen relationships with international clients and partners, gain insights into the latest IP developments, and proactively strategize for brand protection. For clients, our participation ensures that we stay ahead of emerging legal trends and global enforcement challenges. 

What does attending this event mean for DERIS? What are your main expectations from this year’s meeting?

For DERIS, INTA is one of the most important annual events, providing an exceptional platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development.  

This years of INTA is particularly special for us, as one of our Senior Partners, Okan Can, is serving as a Co-Chair at the INTA Annual Meeting. This is an incredible honor for our firm, and we are truly excited to experience this alongside him. Additionally, Okan Can has been a Board Member of INTA for the past few years, which is another significant milestone for both him and DERIS. His active involvement at such a high level underscores our firm’s deep commitment to the global IP community. 

This year, we look forward to engaging in insightful discussions on emerging IP trends, exploring new collaboration opportunities, and strengthening our relationships with our international network.  

What has been the most valuable experience you’ve had attending the Annual Meeting in previous years?

Two INTA Annual Meetings stand out as the most valuable experiences for me: my first INTA in Boston in 2010 and the post-pandemic conference in Washington, D.C. in 2022. 

My first 2010 Boston INTA Conference was a truly eye-opening experience. As a junior attorney who had just graduated from university and recently started working in IP, attending an event of such scale was truly inspiring. Seeing thousands of IP professionals, including attorneys and brand owners from all over the world, gathering in one place to discuss intellectual property was fascinating. It was my first exposure to the global IP community, and I remember feeling both amazed and deeply motivated by the experience. 

The Washington, D.C. INTA Conference in 2022 was another unforgettable event because it was the first in-person INTA after the pandemic. After years of virtual interactions, reuniting with colleagues and friends in person was incredibly special. The energy at that event was exceptional, and it reminded us all how much we had missed the personal connections and the vibrant discussions. 

Which sessions or speakers are you most excited about this year? 

This year, there are many exciting sessions, and the program is filled with thought-provoking discussions. Of course, all the sessions are incredibly valuable, and each session presents a deep dive into important IP topics. 

One of the sessions I am particularly excited about is the panel on “Business and Technology: Navigating Global Patent Disputes” on May 20, moderated by Kerim Yardımcı, one of our Senior Partners at DERIS. Seeing patent-related topics being addressed at INTA is especially exciting, as it reflects the growing intersection between trademarks, patents, and broader IP strategies. I look forward to hearing expert insights on global patent disputes and how businesses navigate these challenges. 

How does attending this event create opportunities for collaboration and exchanging ideas with other industry professionals?

INTA provides an important platform for collaboration. Whether through formal meetings, panel discussions, or networking events, it facilitates meaningful exchanges of ideas, best practices, and legal strategies. The diverse participation of IP professionals, in-house counsels, and brand owners creates a rich forum for discussing challenges and solutions from multiple perspectives. 

Describe your INTA experience in three words

Inspiring, Engaging, Memorable.