Burcum Evgin, 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, Burcum discusses her invaluable experiences with INTA, her expectations for INTA 2025, and more.

As being the Partner leading the Brand Protection team in Deris, how is counterfeiting being addressed at this year’s INTA Conference?

This year’s INTA Conference has placed strong emphasis on tackling counterfeiting through a more proactive, cross-border approach. With the increasing sophistication of counterfeit networks, the sessions focus on enforcement cooperation, customs action strategies, and online takedown mechanisms. As someone who works on the frontlines of anti-counterfeiting actions, it’s encouraging to see these issues taking center stage.

How is INTA helping raise awareness about counterfeit products among brands and consumers?

INTA has been instrumental in raising global awareness by advocating for policy reforms, providing practical tools, and facilitating collaborative platforms for rights holders. Through public awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and educational content, INTA bridges the gap between legal professionals, brands, and consumers—emphasizing the impact of counterfeits not only on brand value but also on consumer safety.

One of the most impactful initiatives in this context is the Unreal Campaign, which focuses specifically on educating young consumers about the dangers of counterfeit products and the value of intellectual property. As volunteer representatives of the Unreal Campaign in Türkiye, we see firsthand how crucial it is to raise awareness among younger generations. Engaging students through interactive sessions has proven to be a powerful way to foster long-term respect for brand integrity and consumer protection.

What are some key takeaways from INTA for companies looking to improve their anti-counterfeiting strategies?

One clear takeaway is the importance of building a holistic enforcement ecosystem—blending legal tools with real-time market intelligence and digital monitoring. Companies are also encouraged to invest in brand protection technology and develop stronger partnerships with customs, law enforcement, and digital platforms. Another key message is global collaboration and raising awareness.

Which IP challenges do you think will dominate discussions at this year’s event?

In addition to counterfeiting, the intersection of IP with technology—such as AI-generated content and the enforcement of rights in digital marketplaces—will be a major focus. The difficulty of enforcement across fragmented e-commerce platforms and the challenge of harmonizing IP protection in emerging digital spaces are likely to dominate the conversation.

What are the main takeaways you expect from this year’s discussions on brand protection?

I expect insightful conversations on how brands can transition from reactive enforcement to proactive risk mitigation. There’s a growing need to integrate IP strategy with supply chain monitoring, digital authentication, and cross-jurisdictional cooperation. Another key focus will be adopting brand protection practices to rapidly evolving consumer behaviors and retail trends.

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

For DERIS, attending INTA is much more than an annual tradition—it’s a strategic opportunity to engage with the international IP community, strengthen long-standing partnerships, and contribute to global conversations on enforcement and innovation.

This year has particular significance for our firm, as our Senior Partner Okan Can is serving as a Co-Chair of the Annual Meeting. His appointment to this prestigious role is a testament to his leadership and our firm’s deep-rooted commitment to INTA and the broader IP ecosystem. We are truly proud to stand beside him in San Diego as he helps shape this year’s agenda.

In addition, we’re also looking forward to the increasing visibility of patent-related content at INTA this year. Our Senior Partner E. Kerim Yardımcı will be moderating a key session on global patent disputes—further underlining our firm’s comprehensive expertise across all areas of IP.

This year, our expectations center around expanding our enforcement insights, deepening global collaborations, and continuing to provide strategic, future-focused solutions for our clients.

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

My very first INTA experience was in Singapore, and it remains one of the most memorable moments of my career. Being part of such a large-scale, truly global event—surrounded by thousands of IP professionals from all around the world—was both inspiring and energizing. It was very inspiring to connect face-to-face with many of our international clients, which gave a whole new dimension to our professional relationships.

The opportunity to be in the same room with enforcement experts, legal professionals, and brand owners—all sharing insights and experiences—was incredibly valuable. It made me realize how collaborative and dynamic the IP community truly is, and that moment has shaped how I view global cooperation in brand protection ever since.

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

I’m particularly looking forward to sessions addressing enforcement in the digital ecosystem and those focused on customs coordination—both of which are highly relevant to the work we do in anti-counterfeiting and brand protection.

Additionally, I’m excited about the panel “Business and Technology: Navigating Global Patent Disputes”, which will take place on May 20 at 11:30 AM. The session will be moderated by our Senior Partner, E. Kerim Yardımcı, and promises to provide strategic insights into navigating complex patent disputes across jurisdictions. It also highlights how comprehensive IP protection increasingly requires an integrated approach—bringing together both trademark and patent expertise to address the evolving needs of businesses.

San Diego is hosting this year’s Annual Meeting—what are your thoughts on this location?

San Diego is a vibrant city with a strong innovation culture, making it a fitting backdrop for IP professionals. The atmosphere is both professional and relaxed, which supports meaningful networking and collaboration. It’s an ideal setting for the kind of strategic conversations INTA fosters.

Describe your INTA experience in three words.

Collaborative. Strategic. Energizing.